Teen found dead inside Baltimore hotel was under care of Maryland Human Services

A 16-year-old girl was found dead inside a hotel in Baltimore on September 22, prompting an investigation into her cause of death. The police discovered Kanaiyah Ward deceased within a hotel located on North Wolfe Street, which is identified as the Residence Inn by Marriott based on its address. Authorities reported that there were no signs of foul play or trauma observed on Ward’s body, and an autopsy will be performed by the Medical Examiner's office to determine the official cause of death.

Family and state officials are now focusing on the circumstances surrounding her death, as it was confirmed that Ward was in the custody of the Maryland Department of Human Services. Republican lawmakers have expressed outrage over the incident, highlighting concerns about the safety and oversight of children in state care. House Minority Leader Jason Buckel described the loss as “tragic and outrageous” and connected it to recent issues uncovered in a state audit.

The audit, released last week, raised alarms about the department’s policies and its ability to ensure the safety of vulnerable children, revealing that seven registered sex offenders were living with foster children across Maryland. Buckel emphasized that if the incident had occurred just a week earlier, it might have been viewed as an isolated tragedy, but given the audit’s findings, he asserted it reflects systemic failures within the department.

House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy criticized the current administration, questioning the department's accountability and effectiveness. He questioned the situation in the department and the broader governance, citing the recent audit and the death of a child in DHS custody as evidence of urgent need for reforms. Pippy pointed out that Governor Moore has been in office for nearly three years and expressed concern that such incidents suggest ongoing problems within the department.

Officials from the Department of Human Services have stated they are actively reaching out for further information and are awaiting additional details as investigations continue. The tragic death has intensified calls for immediate accountability and measures to safeguard children in state custody, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of the department's operations and oversight mechanisms.