A man was detained after four of his children -- two of whom died -- were found Saturday night with cuts to their bodies at a Lancaster home, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies went to the residence in the 1800 block of East Avenue J-2 after receiving a report of child abuse around midnight. Four children under age 10 found with cuts to their bodies were hospitalized.
Two of the children died at the hospital. The other two suffered non-life-threatening injuries and remain hospitalized.
They were found in a bedroom.
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The father of the children was detained as a person of interest in the case.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
U.S. & World
The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services issued the following statement: "As a workforce dedicated to the safety and well-being of Los Angeles County’s children and families, we are deeply disturbed and saddened to learn of the deaths of two young children in the City of Lancaster and injuries sustained by two others as reported by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The Department of Children and Family Services’ highest priority is the safety the county’s two million children and youth.
"State law protects the confidentiality of records for all children and families who may have come to the attention of child protective services and prohibits confirming or commenting on whether a child or family has been involved with the department. These laws are in place to protect the confidentiality of children, siblings and their families as they seek to resolve sensitive matters.
"Our mission to protect children is one we share with our partners in law enforcement and we remain fiercely committed to strengthening our partnerships within the community to enhance the safety net for children and families. Suspected neglect or abuse may be reported to the county’s Child Protection Hotline 24-hours a day, seven days a week at 800-540-4000."
