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Source: Child May Have Died In NY-Fla. Abuse Case

Teen With Down Syndrome Not Found In Judith Leekin's Alleged House Of Horrors

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS) ― The Florida woman accused of abusing and holding captive her 11 adopted children for years inside her lavish home while allegedly scamming the New York child welfare system for millions could be facing even more serious charges, CBS 2 HD has learned.

Judith Leekin has already been charged with 10 counts of child abuse for allegedly running a house of horrors, but sources say she may have been involved in something far more sinister.

When police in Port. St. Lucie arrested Leekin last month, they located only nine of the 11 children she had adopted from foster agencies in New York City more than a decade ago. Prosecutors allege the children, now ranging in age from 15 to 27, and some of whom are disabled, were found malnourished, beaten, bruised, and even burned allegedly at the hands of Leekin.

While the tenth child came forward days later, the remaining child -- a teen with Down Syndrome -- has not surfaced. Investigators now fear that child may have died while in Leekin's care.

Sources say during interviews with detectives, several of Leekin's adopted children revealted that Leekin told them years ago the child they called "Mo" had died.

CBS 2 HD learned even though investigators know his name, date of birth, and other vital infomation, they have been since unable to locate the teen.

Sources say during an interview with police, Leekin's only biological son was unable to assist in their search for "Mo." Just days after his mother's arrest, he gave CBS 2 HD an exclusive interview and said his mother was innocent.

"She's been found guilty without a trial," said the son, who asked to keep his identity anonymous. "Abuse is something continuous. I didn't grow up abused so I don't see how it can transpire to this."

Stay with wcbstv.com and CBS 2 HD for more on this developing story.

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