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Child's Death Investigation

By AP

Oklahoma City, OK – Okla. DHS workers suspended after girl's death

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The Oklahoma Department of Human Services has suspended with pay four child welfare workers pending an investigation into the beating death of a 5-year-old girl.

Serenity Anne Deal died of head injuries less than a month after she began living with her father. Child welfare workers recommended the girl live with the father after she was taken away from her mother, who is charged with sexually assaulting a child.

The father 31-year-old Sean Brooks is now charged with first-degree murder in the girl's death. He has pleaded not guilty.

DHS spokeswoman Sheree Powell told The Oklahoman that staff actions are reviews following the death of any child to determine if policy was followed correctly and whether appropriate recommendations were made.

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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.