Tragic Death of Teen in Maryland DHS Custody Under Investigation

BALTIMORE, Maryland — A 16-year-old girl, Kanaiyah Ward, was found dead in a hotel in Baltimore City on September 22, 2025. The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) confirmed that Ward was under their supervision at the time of her death.

Police responded to a call from the Residence Inn by Marriott located at 800 N. Wolfe Street shortly before 11:15 a.m. Employees found Ward unresponsive, and the ensuing investigation found no signs of foul play or trauma. Her remains were taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office, where a toxicology report is expected, though results may take months.

DHS Press Secretary Lilly Price expressed condolences, stating, “The Maryland Department of Human Services joins the community in grieving this heartbreaking tragedy. The well-being of Maryland’s children is our top priority, and we will not rest until every child in our state is safe.”

The incident follows a recent state audit that revealed significant failures in the DHS’s ability to protect children in their care. The audit disclosed that some foster children were placed in unauthorized settings and lacking adequate supervision, raising concerns about the overall welfare of those under DHS custody.

“Had this occurred a week ago, it would seem like a terrible but isolated incident,” said House Minority Leader Jason Buckel. “This appears to be another horrific example of the failure of this department to keep children safe, this time with fatal consequences.”

Price assured that if DHS standards for care were not followed, accountability measures would be implemented against contractors. In response to the audit findings, the agency is actively working on ensuring that all caregivers undergo necessary criminal background checks.

No details have been released regarding the level of supervision Ward had while at the hotel, and it remains unclear whether she was accompanied by a one-on-one aide at the time of her death. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding her passing is ongoing.