PHILADELPHIA — The state, two counties and several schools missed warning signs and failed to protect a 12-year-old Pennsylvania girl who was abused at home before she died in May, according to lawsuits filed Wednesday by the girl’s family.
Malinda Hoagland’s half-sisters filed lawsuits in Pennsylvania state court and federal court, alleging that the defendants were negligent in failing to spot warning signs. For example, Malinda’s father’s friend, who cared for the girl, was previously convicted of child abuse.
Malinda’s father, Rendell Hoagland, and the woman, Cindy Warren, face murder and other charges stemming from Malinda’s death in May in Chester County, in the Philadelphia suburbs. Attorneys for the couple have not been listed.
“The civil claims seek to ensure full and complete accountability for the horrific actions of the teachers, social workers and agencies who all failed Malinda miserably,” the half-sisters’ attorney, Tom Bosworth, said in a statement.
The lawsuit alleges tragic treatment, including being chained to an air hockey table, being deprived of food, being forced to hold books above her head and do push-ups. She was frequently reprimanded and covered up her bruises, the lawsuit says.
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office arrested Rendell Hoagland and Warren after reporting Malinda unresponsive in May. She was taken to the hospital, where staff discovered she had broken bones and bruises all over her body, prosecutors said.
The state and Chester and Monroe counties are named in the federal lawsuit, as are the Upper Dublin and Coatesville Area school districts. The state lawsuit names Commonwealth Charter Academy. Messages seeking comment were left with the defendants.
The state attorney general’s office said in an email that it was reviewing the lawsuit and would not comment. Chester County declined to comment. A Monroe County official said questions were being referred to another official.