Florida Department of Children and Familie

A preschool boy and his 17-month-old little sister were placed in a foster home with Lena Cumberbatch. The young boy was burnt with cigarettes and beaten with belt buckles. His baby sister, Latiana Hamilton, was beaten and drowned in the bathtub by Cumberbatch. A lawsuit was filed on the boy's behalf against the Department of Children and Families. The state child welfare department admitted fault in the case and agreed to a $900,000 settlement. The Department previously settled civil lawsuits dealing with Latiana's death. (Feb-16-06) [GAINESVILLE]