Kelsey Smith-Briggs

In loving memory of Kelsey Smith Briggs. In death, the 2-year-old Kelsey Smith-Briggs with the pretty smile has become a symbol to many that something is wrong with how the state protects abused children.

Kelsey Briggs was born in Oklahoma on December 28,2002 after her parents Lance Briggs and Raye Dawn Smith were divorced. She lived with her mother Raye Dawn Smith, and maintained contact with her father Lance Briggs and his family.

Before January 2005, no signs of abuse were reported to authorities, nor noticed by family members nor Kelsey's day care staff. At the end of 2004 Raye Dawn Smith started dating a man named Michael Lee Porter. From January 2005 to the end of her life, Kelsey had suffered several documented and confirmed incidences of child abuse. Her injuries included a broken collarbone, broken legs, and multiple bruises and abrasions on her face and body.Kelsey dies in oktober 2005. Michael Lee Porter (stepfather) was charged with sexual assault and first-degree murder, but in February 2007 he pleaded guilty to enabling child abuse and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Raye Dawn Smith was convicted on July 18, 2007 of enabling child abuse and was sentenced to 27 years in prison. She was denied her request for appeal.

In March 2006, the Oklahoma state legislature passed the Kelsey Smith-Briggs Child Protection Reform Act to reform the way courts and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) handle cases related to child abuse and neglect.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• kelsey
• smith
• briggs
• lance
• raye
• dawn
• child
• abuse

[594JLP]

AW shes so adorable