The death of 11-year-old Arabella McCormack in Spring Valley, San Diego, has resulted in lawsuits and settlements involving several agencies and organizations. In August 2022, first responders found Arabella severely malnourished, weighing forty-eight pounds. She died soon after. Her two younger sisters, also malnourished, were hospitalized and survived.
More than three years later, details have emerged about the involvement of various adults, organizations, and government agencies. On December 2, 2025, a San Diego Superior Court judge approved settlements totaling $21.5 million for Arabella’s surviving sisters. The City of San Diego will pay $10 million, Rock Church $3 million, and Pacific Coast Academy, a charter homeschool program, $8.5 million. A separate settlement with San Diego County is pending. The McCormack family is not contributing to these settlements.
Arabella’s adoptive father, Brian McCormack, a Border Patrol agent, died by suicide the day Arabella collapsed. Her adoptive mother, Leticia McCormack, a former Rock Church elder, and her parents, Adella and Stanley Tom, are in custody on charges of murder, torture, and child abuse. They face additional allegations that could result in life without parole or the death penalty…