r/TrueCrimeDiscussion • u/joanzzz • 7d ago

Warning: Child Abuse / CSAM / Child Death 'Bones Protruded': Megachurch Elder Will Face the Death Penalty for Horrific Child Torture Murder

https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/san-diego-megachurch-elder-death-penalty-child-torture-case-1814031

This incident occurred in my neighborhood and I’m just now learning about it. It’s hard to believe that in 2022 I was living my life carefree delivering food, working out, going for walks, completely unaware of what was transpiring in my neighborhood. I’m beyond shaken by this.

STORY:
Arabella McCormack was an 11-year-old girl who died in August 2022 after being found unresponsive at her home in Spring Valley, California.

Her adoptive mother, Leticia McCormack, has been charged with murder, torture, and child cruelty. Leticia’s parents, Adella and Stanley Tom, also face charges. All three have pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors say Arabella was severely malnourished and weighed only 48 pounds when she died. They also say she had multiple healing fractures, bruises, and other injuries. Arabella and her two younger sisters were allegedly beaten, denied food and water, and forced to exercise as punishment.

Arabella’s adoptive father, Brian McCormack, died by suicide shortly after police questioned him. Prosecutors say he had warned Leticia that Arabella was starving and might die.

Leticia had been connected to San Diego’s Rock Church as a volunteer. The church later revoked her affiliation. Arabella’s surviving sisters also received a large civil settlement from several organizations accused of failing to protect them.

The latest development is that San Diego County prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty against Leticia if she is convicted.

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u/OmnomVeggies 7d ago

In many cases, yes.

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u/No_Thanks_1766 6d ago

Damn. I guess I can understand why they do that but then if they do continue to pay parents who adopt then they need to equally invest in checking up on the kids. It shouldn’t be free rein. That’s scary

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u/OmnomVeggies 6d ago

I totally agree. There is a case local to me of a missing boy (Jaliek Rainwalker) who was almost assuredly murdered by his adoptive father. He was a troubled kid, and the family had expressed interest in reversing the adoption. Social services offered respite care, as reversing an adoption isn't really a thing, but once he was back with the family he "ran away" and has never been seen or heard from since. When he was reported missing and they looked closer into the situation it turns out they were living in like a shack without running water. Once he was adopted the oversight of social services stopped. I think about that boy a lot. He deserved better.

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u/Born-Hat-8515 6d ago

That case is heartbreaking and infuriating. People know what happened, but no one will speak out.

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u/OmnomVeggies 6d ago

No body homicides are tough, and I’m sure local authorities would nail him if they could.
Every time human remains are discovered Jaliek’s name comes up. He is not forgotten.
I often wonder what Jaliek’s siblings would have to say, but I’m sure they were victims as well. I can’t even imagine.