Oakland Company, Mich. (WXYZ) – An Oakland County sheriff’s deputy who was in contact with a Pontiac mother and two children who died of the cold has resigned.
A spokeswoman for the department confirmed Sunday evening that the deputy resigned following the investigation into the death and that his communication with the family was completed on January 22.
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard told media about the investigation more than a week ago that the deputy’s performance was being reviewed. In a press release, he provided a timeline detailing the many efforts deputies made to help 35-year-old Monica Latrice Kennedy.
“I wanted to do a deep dive to find possible ways to prevent a tragedy like this in the future,” Bouchard said 11 days ago. “I ordered a full review of all calls, radio traffic, a canvass of the neighborhood and any possible interactions with Monica Latrice Kennedy and her children.”
Sheriff Bouchard said that on Friday, January 13, it took several contacts and repeated attempts to assist the woman and children. Kennedy refused help several times. Deputies also met with Kennedy’s aunt as she sought advice about having Kennedy committed to a mental health treatment facility.
After visiting Cannady’s aunt, deputies attempted to conduct a welfare check at Cannady’s apartment, but no one answered the door. There was also no sign of anyone being inside the apartment.
There was no call or contact with the sheriff’s office until two days later, when Kennedy’s 10-year-old daughter knocked on the door of a nearby house and reported her mother and siblings dead in a nearby field.
This is a developing story. 7 Action News will provide more information as it becomes available.
