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Girl's Death Moves Philly Mayor to Tears, Fury

Suspends 7 in uproar over starved teen

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 5, 2008 12:04 PM CDT

(Newser) – Philly mayor Michael Nutter was visibly enraged today as he announced the suspension of seven city social workers who failed to prevent the starving death of a young girl, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Nutter was responding to a grand jury report that found the negligence of caseworkers abetted Danieal Kelly’s mother in neglecting the 14-year-old cerebral palsy patient as she wasted away to 42 pounds.

"The behavior exhibited by public employees is unacceptable. I am furious at their actions," Nutter said at a news conference. But “Danieal’s death will not be in vain. It has spurred much-needed reform and action.” Nutter said he is confident that his new human services commissioner will be able to turn the department around.

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Mayor Michael Nutter makes remarks at news conference at City Hall in Philadelphia, Monday, Aug. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Mayor Michael Nutter, left, joined by Human Services commissioner Anne Marie Ambrose, pauses while making remarks during a news conference at City Hall in Philadelphia, Monday, Aug. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Mayor Michael Nutter, right, followed by Human Services commissioner Anne Marie Ambrose enter a news conference at City Hall in Philadelphia, Monday, Aug. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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If you are not prepared to take the action that needs to be taken, then you should leave this city government right now. We don't need you, and we don't want you. - Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter

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Girl's Death Moves Philly Mayor to Tears, Fury