Additional Coverage:
- Sisters of 11-year-old California girl allegedly starved to death by adoptive family awarded $31.5M (the-independent.com)
SAN DIEGO, CA – A significant $31.5 million settlement has been reached on behalf of the two younger sisters of Arabella McCormack, the 11-year-old California girl who tragically died in August 2022 after allegedly being tortured and starved by her adoptive family. The settlement aims to provide for the girls, now aged 9 and 11, and addresses alleged systemic failures by various agencies.
Arabella’s adoptive mother, Leticia McCormack, and her maternal grandparents, Adella and Stanley Tom, face charges of murder, conspiracy, child abuse, and torture. They have pleaded not guilty, and their criminal case remains ongoing.
The lawsuit, brought by attorney Craig McClellan, contended that the city of San Diego and several organizations failed to report Arabella McCormack’s abuse. The settlement includes $10 million from the city of San Diego, $10 million from San Diego County, $8.5 million from Pacific Coast Academy, and $3 million from Rock Church. Pacific Coast Academy oversaw Arabella’s homeschooling, while her adoptive mother was an ordained elder at Rock Church.
“The amount is going to be enough to take care of the girls for the rest of their lives,” McClellan stated. However, he acknowledged that it “isn’t going to be enough and never could be enough… to replace their sister, nor is it going to erase the memories of what they went through.”
The lawsuit specifically alleged that county social workers did not adequately investigate abuse claims and that two teachers at Pacific Coast Academy failed to report the girl’s deteriorating condition. Furthermore, it claimed that a San Diego police officer, who was a friend of the adoptive mother, provided the family with a wooden paddle for disciplining their children.
San Diego sheriff’s deputies responded to a call regarding a child in distress at the McCormack home on August 30, 2022. Authorities reported finding Arabella severely malnourished and bruised. She was transported to a hospital, where she subsequently died.
Arabella’s sisters are currently in good health and residing with a foster mother. McClellan noted they are “doing pretty well considering all things.”