Why does a grieving mother in Person County, North Carolina, still have no answers about the tragic death of her infant son in foster care?

At a Glance

• A one-year-old child, Kemari Morgan, died in foster care, with no explanation yet provided to his mother.
• Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death, citing pending toxicology results.
• The mother, Briauna Morgan, was denied immediate access to her child’s body and remains in a legal battle for her other children.
• This case has sparked public outrage and demands for reform in the foster care system.

Lack of Transparency in Kemari Morgan’s Death

On May 24, 2025, Briauna Morgan received the devastating news that her one-year-old son, Kemari, had died while in the custody of a foster home in Person County, North Carolina. Since June 2024, Kemari had been under state care following accusations of neglect against Briauna. Despite the passage of several months, authorities have yet to disclose the cause of Kemari’s death, leaving Briauna and the public frustrated and in the dark.

Watch: Mother looking for answers after her 1-year-old son dies while in foster care

Adding to the family’s anguish, Briauna was denied immediate access to her son’s body. The initial autopsy revealed no internal injuries, but the release of toxicology results has been delayed indefinitely. Briauna’s fight for answers has sparked widespread protest and public demand for transparency and accountability from authorities.

Foster Care System Under Scrutiny

The tragic case of Kemari Morgan has illuminated glaring issues within the foster care system, particularly in Person County. The handling of Kemari’s case has been criticized for its lack of transparency and oversight. The state’s Department of Social Services and Child Protective Services have faced accusations of overreach, especially concerning low-income and minority families, who often find themselves disproportionately affected by the system.

Historically, North Carolina has been no stranger to high-profile cases involving the deaths of children in foster care. These cases have repeatedly underscored the need for systemic reforms and better oversight of child welfare agencies. As this case continues to unfold, the demand for accountability and reform grows louder, leaving many to question the effectiveness and ethics of the current system.

Community Outrage and Advocacy Efforts

Briauna Morgan’s battle for justice has been met with significant support from advocacy groups and the local community. Operation Stop CPS, led by former CPS investigator Amanda Wallace, has been at the forefront of calling for systemic reform and greater transparency. Public protests and advocacy efforts have increased in intensity, with community members demanding answers and accountability from local authorities.

Through these efforts, the case has become a catalyst for broader discussions about the definition of neglect and the criteria for child removal. The secrecy surrounding the investigation into Kemari’s death has only fueled public distrust in the system, with many questioning the motivations behind the lack of disclosure and the delay in providing answers to the grieving family.

Demand for Reforms and Justice

The ongoing investigation into Kemari Morgan’s death remains a focal point for those advocating for foster care reform. Despite the lack of immediate answers, the case has galvanized efforts to push for changes in how child welfare cases are handled, particularly concerning the treatment of low-income families and the use of neglect as grounds for removal.

As Briauna Morgan continues her legal battle to regain custody of her other children, the pressure mounts on local and state officials to address the systemic failures that have been exposed. The call for independent oversight and trauma-informed approaches to family reunification has become a rallying cry for those seeking justice for Kemari and other children who have suffered under the current system.