Investigation Underway After Baby’s Tragic Death in Canoga Park: Neglect or Starvation?
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has launched an investigation into the death of 1-year-old Thyri Wood from Canoga Park, who may have died from malnourishment due to alleged neglect, despite the family receiving visits from a county social worker.
On December 17, the Board voted to begin an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death, which occurred on July 1. Thyri was found dead in her crib, with sources suggesting she may have suffered from severe malnutrition.
At the time, no case file had been opened by the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The decision to investigate now aims to rectify that and uncover more details about the child’s death.
Thyri, who was about 16 months old, was reportedly left alone with her 11-year-old brother when their mother left the home. The children were left without adult supervision for several days, with the older brother struggling to find enough food, resorting to feeding his sister French fries and jelly, according to news reports.
An autopsy performed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office did not determine a clear cause of death. The coroner listed the cause as "undetermined after autopsy," and the manner of death was also marked as "undetermined."
LAPD detectives, who have been investigating the case, reported that the baby appeared malnourished and had "sunken eyes." They also informed DCFS that they had visited the Canoga Park apartment, finding food in the refrigerator and observing the infant seemed happy. Despite this, no case file was opened by DCFS at the time.
LAPD has not provided further updates on the investigation after several inquiries. A detective from the Juvenile Division confirmed the case is ongoing, but they are unable to share details at this stage.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, whose district includes Canoga Park, initiated the motion to investigate. She called the baby’s death "an absolute tragedy" and stressed the importance of reviewing the resources and programs available to children in Los Angeles County, especially when abuse or neglect is suspected.
After the motion passed, the Department of Children and Family Services issued a statement welcoming the thorough examination of the case. “Child welfare cases are rarely clear-cut, and tragedies like this are sobering reminders that there are families in under-resourced communities whose challenges can quickly escalate without adequate support,” the statement read.
The investigation will be led by the county’s Office of Child Protection (OCP), which will review all relevant departments and personnel, including DCFS workers who may have visited the family’s home. The OCP will also look into whether medical authorities were contacted and if any systemic issues contributed to the tragedy.
The motion also directs the OCP to assess how county departments handle cases of possible child neglect and abuse, with a report due to the board.
For those suspecting child abuse or neglect, DCFS encourages reports to be made anytime at 1-800-540-4000.
