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29m ago

Medical Examiner Rules Baltimore Foster Teen’s Hotel Death a Suicide by Diphenhydramine

The ruling shifts the case to a DHS review of the hotel placement.

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A child under the supervision of the Maryland Department of Human Services was found dead on Monday at the Residence Inn by Marriott Baltimore at The Johns Hopkins Medical Campus. (Kim Hairston/staff).
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Overview

  • Officials said 16-year-old Kanaiyah Ward died from diphenhydramine intoxication on Sept. 22 at a Residence Inn while in Maryland DHS custody.
  • Baltimore police closed their investigation after the medical examiner’s determination of suicide.
  • DHS said it is reviewing the placement and paused work with Fenwick Behavioral Services, the contractor that provided Ward’s one-on-one aide.
  • The case follows a legislative audit that found vendor-vetting failures and 280 foster children placed in hotels in 2023 and 2024.
  • Ward’s family and attorney questioned the level of supervision and treatment, while full autopsy and toxicology reports may take months.