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Another life lost on DHS's watch
The agency sent Omega Leach, a troubled 17-year-old, to a Tenn. youth facility in May. A month later, he was dead.
According to a 2006 report on restraint techniques issued by Pennsylvania child-welfare officials, "research indicates that most deaths occur within the first six minutes of restraint."
Contact staff writer John Sullivan
As yet, the medical examiner has not determined the cause of death. Toxicological results are not back.
An autopsy did find that Leach, like Linda Harris, had an enlarged heart. His body bore no bruises or signs of having been choked, Prentice said.
Prentice said he was deeply troubled at the second death of a teenager in the facility. He said he expected a long investigation that would focus in part on the training given the two counselors, both new hires.
"We have a a lot more to do," he said. "We've got to stop this. One is too many. Two is ridiculous."
Read a panel's report on DHS's failures, and recent news coverage, at http://go.philly.com/dhs
Contact staff writer John Sullivan
at 215-854-2473 or johnsullivan@phillynews.com.
Inquirer staff writer Nancy Phillips contributed to this article.
