Calls to hotline warned now-dead boy was being abused

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) – Child welfare officials were warned three times about possible abuse or neglect regarding a 3-year-old Hollywood boy whose body was found hidden last week in his father’s home.

The Department of Children and Families released a report Wednesday revealing that someone called the child abuse hotline last year concerned that Ahziya Osceola had bumps and bruises and complained of a sore bottom. He was examined but a doctor couldn’t determine whether his bruised rectum was from constipation or sexual abuse.

The child lived with his father and stepmother after his mother was arrested for child neglect. A DCF report says the child was found wandering a hotel alone while his mother was passed out.

His stepmother checked herself into a psychiatric ward Friday after Osceola’s siblings were taken from her home. An investigation continues.