DCF report: Caseworkers missed threat to baby boy
TAMPA (AP) – A state report shows foster care workers underestimated the domestic threat posed by a Tampa man now accused of throwing his girlfriend’s infant son out a car window.
According to a 13-page report from the Florida Department of Children and Families, Jasmine Bedwell told caseworkers that Richard McTear Jr. beat her on two occasions and threatened to harm her son.
McTear is jailed on charges of kidnapping and murder after he allegedly threw 3-month-old Emanuel Murray Jr. out a car window on May 5.
An investigator from child protective services didn’t think McTear posed a serious threat because the mother promised to get an injunction against him.
McTear’s criminal history, which includes including kidnapping and burglary, was largely overlooked.