14-year-old girl in foster care commits suicide on Facebook Live

Attorney for biological mother blames DCF

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – A South Florida woman has hired an attorney after her 14-year-old daughter committed suicide on Facebook Live at her foster family's home in Miami Gardens.

"I am sick and devastated by this," Nakia Venant's biological mother, Gina Alexis, said.

Witnesses watched Nakia's Facebook Live stream about 3 a.m. Sunday as she hanged herself in a bathroom.

"We know this happened while the parents were sleeping," attorney Howard Talenfeld said.

Talenfeld blames the Department of Children and Families for ignoring the warning signs and failing to properly place Nakia, who recently began exhibiting unruly behavior, had run away from home and was even hospitalized under the Baker Act at one point.

"When you have a 7-year-old girl sexually abused by a 14-year-old boy, there are bound to be issues," Talenfeld said.

Alexis, who lost custody of Nakia when the girl was 7 over harsh disciplinary tactics, had hoped to be permanently reunited with her daughter.

DCF Secretary Mike Carroll responded to the incident in a statement, saying, "We are absolutely horrified and devastated by the news of this young girl's death. We will do everything we can to support this family and all those who cared for her as they begin to heal from this tragedy."

The Miami Gardens Police Department is investigating the death.


About the Author:

Terrell Forney joined Local 10 News in October 2005 as a general assignment reporter. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, but a desire to escape the harsh winters of the north brought him to South Florida.