Samuel

Death/Near Death:

Death of a Child from Maltreatment

Preliminary Report Post Date:

12/17/2008

The name, age and city, town or general location of residence of the child who has suffered the fatality or near fatality:	The victim is 6-month-old Samuel Ortiz of Phoenix.
The fact that a child suffered a near fatality or fatality as the result of abuse, abandonment or neglect:	Information available indicates this is a fatality as a result of abuse.
The name, age and city, town or general location of residence of the alleged perpetrator, if available:	The alleged perpetrator has been identified as Elizabeth Ortiz of Phoenix.
Whether there have been reports, or any current or past cases, of child abuse, abandonment or neglect involving the child and the current alleged abusive or neglectful parent, guardian or custodian:	Child Protective Services has received no prior allegations that Ortiz harmed Samuel.
Actions taken by CPS in response to the fatality or near fatality of the child:	On December 10, CPS initiated a joint investigation with the Phoenix Police Department in to Samuel’s death. CPS will take appropriate action to ensure the safety of four children between the ages of 3 and 13 living in the home, which may include temporary custody and filing a dependency petition with the court.