State’s Attorney’s Office Completes Review of Teenager’s Suicide While in DHS Care

Baltimore, Md. (January 2, 2026) – Today, the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City announced that, following a thorough review by the State’s Attorney’s Special Victims Unit, no criminal charges will be filed in the death of a 16-year-old who was in the care of the Maryland Department of Human Services. 

“While the evidence is insufficient to show the necessary intent to prove criminal neglect beyond a reasonable doubt, the fact remains that a vulnerable child tragically lost their life,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “The loss of a young person to suicide is deeply troubling, and we must do everything we can as public servants to uplift and support mental health care for our most at-risk residents.” 

On September 22, 2025, Baltimore Police responded to a call for a questionable death at the 800 block of N. Wolfe Street. Upon arrival, they contacted an employee of Fenwick Behavioral Services, who reported that the company provides chaperone services to children who are wards of the State. The employee advised that they discovered the 16-year-old female, whom they were assigned to chaperone, unresponsive in the bed of her hotel room. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and ruled the death a suicide. 

After a thorough review by the State’s Attorney’s Special Victims Unit, it was concluded that this case does not rise to the level of criminal behavior and that none of the individuals involved had any intent to deny the victim necessary aid or resources.