Father of slain Meeker girl sues state for $15 million

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A Meeker man whose 2-year-old daughter died while her care was being monitored by child welfare workers is suing the state for $15-million.<br/><br/>In a tort claim filed against

Monday, December 5th 2005, 5:46 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A Meeker man whose 2-year-old daughter died while her care was being monitored by child welfare workers is suing the state for $15-million.

In a tort claim filed against the state, Lance Briggs also is demanding an overhaul of the Department of Human Services in the wake of the October 11th death of his daughter, Kelsey Shelton Smith-Briggs.

Custody of Kelsey was taken away from her mother -- Raye Dawn Porter -- in January after officials suspected the girl may have been abused. She was given back to her mother in June, but child welfare workers continued to monitor her care.

Authorities allege Kelsey died from blunt force trauma to her stomach.

Her stepfather -- Mike Porter -- is accused of first-degree murder in her death.

Briggs was on active duty with the US Army Reserve when DHS had oversight of Kelsey's care.