Five long years have elapsed since the sorrowful passing of Sema’j Crosby, an innocent toddler of a mere 17 months, within the grimy confines of her mother’s dwelling. Nevertheless, the deeply poignant chronicle of her father, James Crosby, remains vividly etched in his mind, as if it unfolded just yesterday.
Once again, this ongoing tale has captured substantial attention, as Crosby has at last arrived at a resolution with the Department of Children and Family Services regarding the untimely departure of his precious daughter. Despite securing a hard-fought triumph within the realm of justice, Crosby openly divulges that his heart continues to bear the weight of sorrow for his cherished child, acutely aware that no amount of worldly riches could ever breathe life back into her existence.
On April 25, 2017, Sema’j went missing, prompting her father’s concern for her welfare. At that time, her mother, Sheri Gordon, resided in Joliet Township, Illinois, and held exclusive custody of the baby. However, it was evident to the father that his daughter was growing up in an unfavorable environment.
Gordon’s residence on Louis Road was part of an ongoing Intact Family Assistance case, designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children by providing necessary in-home services, thereby avoiding the need for protective custody.
The day before Sema’j’s disappearance, a caseworker conducted an unannounced visit to the house and swiftly discovered numerous issues plaguing the living conditions.
In the span of seven months, it marked the 41st visit, prompted by concerns of child mistreatment and the open consumption of narcotics by adults within the household. On this particular occasion, the caseworker observed the deplorable state of the residence but merely instructed the mother to tidy up before their next visit. As per the father’s allegations, a subsequent appointment was scheduled, but if any efforts were made to address the cleanliness of the house, little progress seemed to have been made.
On the following day, a caseworker arrived and was met with the disarray within the house once again. The subsequent report from the DCFS investigator documented numerous marks on the walls, scattered clothing and toys on the floor, and a collection of unwashed dishes and trash piled beside the kitchen area. Despite the continued inhabitable condition of the home, it remains unclear whether the mother faced any penalties, if any were imposed. Three hours later, Sema’j was reported missing.
The subsequent day brought about a more extensive investigation of the residence, leading to a horrifying revelation. Commencing at 11 p.m., the Will County Sheriff’s Office initiated a search of the premises, as detailed in the father’s lawsuit. Due to the “filthy, dangerous, and unsanitary circumstances” of the house, officers had to don hazmat suits before entering.
Less than two hours into the search, a distressing find emerged. Concealed behind a couch lacking legs, the lifeless body of a young child was discovered. At 1:27 a.m., officers officially declared the child deceased, confirming her identity as Sema’j Crosby.
After detailed examinations, the coroner concluded that the cause of death, specifically the method employed, was attributed to “homicide by smothering” or asphyxia. Nevertheless, even after the passage of five years, the issue of accountability remains a subject of heated debate.
Presently, no charges have been pressed regarding the tragic loss of Sema’j, and the ongoing investigation by the Will County Sheriff’s Office remains unresolved. Nonetheless, James Crosby, the father of the young girl, has consistently pointed fingers at the mother, Sheri Gordon, and the DFCS, holding them responsible for the untimely demise of Sema’j.
Upon the grim discovery of the lifeless body, the sheriff’s office swiftly deemed Gordon’s residence as “uninhabitable.” In an attempt to shed light on the unsanitary and unsuitable environment in which children were subjected to, the government took the initiative to share compelling visual evidence.
In a Senate hearing held in May 2017, a representative from the DCFS asserted that they adhered to the “correct protocols” by leaving Sema’j and her siblings under the care of their mother in the house. However, a report from the Will County Sheriff’s Office seems to counter this claim, as it stated that the house was declared “unsuitable for human inhabitants.” The report highlighted issues such as severe infestations of bedbugs and cockroaches, excessive accumulation of rubbish, and the absence of a functional fire alarm. Additionally, it was revealed that the family had previously undergone four examinations in response to abuse complaints.
Apart from Gordon and her four children, it is believed that the house accommodated as many as 15 individuals. According to Crosby’s legal complaint, the police eventually labeled these individuals as “squatters,” although it is possible that some of them may have been biologically related to each other.
Tragically, authorities faced a significant setback in their investigation as the area where Sema’j’s remains were discovered was engulfed in flames in a suspected case of arson shortly thereafter. This destructive fire obliterated any potential evidence that could have led to the identification and apprehension of a suspect involved in the homicide.
At the time of Sema’j’s death, Crosby was incarcerated and unable to provide care for her. However, in his legal proceedings, he accused Children’s Home and Aid, a contractor of the DCFS, of neglecting their duty to remove Sema’j from her mother’s custody, despite the knowledge of the unsanitary conditions in which the child was living.
Jay Paul Deratany, Crosby’s attorney, emphasized that there were numerous warnings given to Children’s Home and Aid as well as the DCFS regarding the imminent danger faced by this child. The conditions of the floor were appalling, with roaches crawling on the walls, and the overall living situation was deplorable. Deratany argued that both organizations should have been aware of these circumstances and taken appropriate action.
The DCFS responded by issuing a statement defending the state’s actions. The statement said that child welfare improvements are never speedy or simple. Many of the issues are long-standing and entrenched, yet everybody in this administration is genuinely dedicated to solving them and delivering the attention that fragile children and families really deserve.
Presently, Sema’j’s dad sees his daughter’s court win as proof that the state could and should have done more to safeguard his little girl and her siblings. Unfortunately, the $6.5 million he was given will not bring his young girl back, yet it will assist sustain the child’s siblings, who are currently being taken care of by other relatives, according to Deratany.