ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Tuesday marks one week since murder charges were filed against Erica Parsons’ adoptive parents.
The Rowan County Department of Social Services released new case files Monday to Channel 9 showing someone complained that Erica was being abused not once, but twice before her death.
In March of 2002, someone reported that Casey Parsons had beaten Erica, leaving her with marks on her buttocks, leg and face.
The complaint said that Erica was underweight and that her adoptive mom didn’t love her.
In 2004, DSS investigated another complaint that Erica was very tiny and frail. It also alleged verbal abuse and said that Casey Parsons tried to give Erica away. After the second complaint, DSS found there was some neglect, due to Erica’s need for medical care. Erica was reported missing in 2013 and her remains were found in 2016.
Some question if the system failed Erica, but DSS Director Donna Fayco said in a statement:
“This was a tragic situation for a little girl. Any time that we lose a child, there are lessons to be learned.
“It doesn’t mean that something was done incorrectly. It is simply everyone’s responsibility to ensure that children are safe from harm.
“Certainly, evil exists in our society (school shootings, murder, human trafficking.) and those most vulnerable need to be protected. Working with families and educating the public on the importance of reporting suspicions of child abuse or neglect early on is critical.”
Cox Media Group
