Social Services: Mother Didn't Divulge Who Was Caring for Child

SALISBURY (AP)- The Wicomico County Department of Social Services says it was not aware that a man with a violent past was living with the foster mother who was caring for 2-year-old Kyla Edwards.

The girl was fatally beaten last week at the Salisbury Mobile Home Park and the man- 44-year-old Edson Brown- is charged with her murder. He was caring for the girl while the foster mother was out of town.

The foster mother has not been identified because of an ongoing investigation. But officials with social services say she ignored a department request that authorities be notified when her foster children were left with someone other than a licensed day-care provider.

Kyla's grandmother, Cathy Wharton, says that she reported suspected abuse of the girl to the department but says her claims were not addressed. Wharton had been trying to gain custody of the girl.