$31.5M Settlement Reached in High-Profile Abuse Case
Rock Church has paid $3 million to settle a civil lawsuit related to the 2022 death of 11-year-old Arabella McCormack, a case that sparked outrage over institutional failures. The total $31.5 million settlement includes $10 million each from the city and county of San Diego, and $8.5 million from Pacific Coast Academy. Arabella’s sisters, who were also victims of abuse, filed the suit.
Failure to Report Abuse at Center of Allegations
The civil suit accused Rock Church and others of failing to report visible signs of abuse. Arabella’s adoptive mother, Leticia McCormack, was an ordained elder at the church and part of its prayer groups. Although she had passed several background checks, the lawsuit alleges that church officials ignored red flags and kept concerns within the church rather than alerting authorities.
Shocking Details Emerge About Arabella’s Final Days
Authorities found Arabella unresponsive and severely malnourished on August 30, 2022. She weighed just 40 pounds and had multiple untreated fractures. Her sisters were later hospitalized and described as “near death.” The lawsuit stated that the abuse was prolonged and visible, yet never reported by those closest to the family, including church leaders and volunteers.
Criminal Charges Pending Against Family Members
Leticia McCormack and her parents, Stanley and Adella Tom, face charges including murder and torture. Brian McCormack, Arabella’s adoptive father, died by suicide during the investigation. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty, and the criminal proceedings remain ongoing.
Supporters and Critics React to Church’s Role
Supporters of Rock Church say the tragedy shocked even insiders, pointing to McCormack’s clean background checks. Pastor Miles McPherson told the congregation that no signs had raised suspicion. But critics argue that the church ignored its mandatory reporting obligations and allowed McCormack’s role to continue unchecked. The church has since suspended and moved to revoke her ordination.
Source:
Miles McPherson’s Rock Church Pays $3 Million in Settlement Over Death of 11-Year-Old Girl From Alleged Abuse
Photo by Jon Petter Wiig on Unsplash
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