Lawsuits claim state and local authorities neglected 12-year-old Pennsylvania girl who died from abuse

In Pennsylvania, lawsuits have been filed by the family of a 12-year-old girl who tragically passed away in May due to alleged abuse. The suits claim that the state, two counties, and various schools did not act upon warning signs and failed to protect the young girl before her death. Malinda Hoagland’s half sisters filed lawsuits in both Pennsylvania state court and federal court, alleging negligence on the part of the defendants for missing red flags, including the fact that the girlfriend of Malinda’s father, who assisted in caring for her, had a previous child abuse conviction.
Malinda’s father, Rendell Hoagland, and the woman, Cindy Warren, are currently facing charges, including murder, in connection to Malinda’s death in Chester County near Philadelphia. The civil claims filed by Malinda’s half sisters aim to hold accountable the individuals and institutions, such as educators and case workers, who were supposed to protect Malinda but allegedly failed to do so, according to their attorney Tom Bosworth.
The lawsuit details disturbing treatment of Malinda, including allegations that she was chained to an air hockey table, deprived of food, coerced into holding books over her head, and forced to do pushups. The young girl was reportedly subjected to regular verbal abuse and was found to have bruises all over her body.
Following the report of Malinda being unresponsive in May, Rendell Hoagland and Cindy Warren were arrested by the Chester County district attorney’s office. Medical examination at the hospital revealed that Malinda had suffered broken bones and extensive bruising. The federal suit includes the state, Chester and Monroe counties, as well as the Upper Dublin and Coatesville Area school districts, while the state suit specifically names Commonwealth Charter Academy. Messages requesting comments from the defendants have been made, with responses still pending. The state attorney general’s office is reviewing the suit and Chester County has declined to comment on the matter. An official from Monroe County redirected inquiries to another official for a response.