A System That Failed a Child: The Tragic Story of Ethan Belcher

A Family's Fight for Justice

Ethan Belcher, a 5-year-old boy, lost his life in January 2023 due to severe abuse and torture. His family is now taking legal action against Michigan's child welfare system, claiming that Child Protective Services (CPS) failed to protect him and his brother, Mason, from harm.

Allegations of Negligence

The family's lawsuits allege that CPS workers did not take adequate steps to document the children's injuries or ensure their safety. Despite evidence of abuse, the children were returned to their home, where the abuse continued. The family's pleas for help were ignored, and the CPS worker reportedly dismissed Ashley Belcher's concerns, stating that as an aunt, she had no power to intervene.

The Horrific Abuse

The abuse Ethan and Mason endured was horrific. Ethan's cause of death was multiple blunt and sharp force injuries, including a broken neck and fractured skull. There were also signs of sexual abuse. His mother and stepfather, Valeria Hamilton and Shane Shelton, were sentenced to life in prison for murder, child abuse, and torture. Hamilton allegedly admitted to police that Shelton excessively beat the boys with his hands and other objects, such as a cord. Messages from Hamilton suggested a disturbing intent to harm the children, with comments about slamming their heads until they "popped off."

Systemic Failures

A recent report from Michigan's Office of the Child Advocate detailed failures by CPS and law enforcement during the 2021 abuse case. The report found that neither CPS nor Lincoln Park Police consulted a medical child abuse expert to confirm the injuries were non-accidental. Additionally, no official photographs of the children's injuries were taken, and agencies relied on low-quality images provided by a relative.

Call for Reform

The family's attorney, Zachary Runyan, emphasized that closing cases like Ethan's often leads to child deaths. He argued that CPS is supposed to protect children who cannot protect themselves. The child advocate report offered recommendations to prevent similar tragedies, including improving identification of cases needing medical exams and urging lawmakers to fund statewide regional child abuse medical centers.

Government Response

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has not yet responded to the lawsuits but previously stated their commitment to improving Michigan's child welfare system. They emphasized their focus on prevention, intervention, and accountability in supporting children and families.