DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad says the state has made personnel changes at the Department of Human Services following the death of a West Des Moines teenager who was left in an allegedly abusive home despite reports made by a neighbor.
According to a medical examiner, 16-year-old Natalie Finn died from denial of critical care. A neighbor reported to police that Natalie had regularly asked for food before her death.
Her mother, Nicole Marie Finn, is charged with first-degree murder, three counts of kidnapping and several other counts of child endangerment and neglect. Natalie’s father, Joseph Finn II, is charged with three counts of each of kidnapping, child endangerment and neglect.
It wasn’t immediately clear of the couple has an attorney.
Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will release more information about the changes once the criminal trials are underway, the Des Moines Register reports.
