Staff Reports
A claim bills providing a $3.75 million payment in the death of Nubia Barahona passed the Senate Tuesday on a 37-0 vote.
The payment from the Department of Children and Families would also compensate Nubia’s twin brother Victor Barahona.
The legislation was filed by Miami Republican Jose Felix Diaz and Plantation Democrat Katie Edwards (HB 6523). The House version is awaiting debate on the floor.
The case began February 2011, when Nubia’s decomposing body was found in the bed of her father’s pickup truck on I-95 in Palm Beach County. Victor was discovered convulsing in the truck. Both children had been doused with toxic chemicals.
A report commissioned by then-DCF Secretary David Wilkins found the agency’s “failure in common sense, critical thinking, ownership, follow-through, and timely and accurate information-sharing” defined the care of Nubia and Victor.
DCF initially agreed to pay $5 million to the family and had already paid $1.25 million. The bill passed in committee would deliver two more payments of $1.875 million.
