District Attorney, City Council launch inquiries into death of 10-year-old Malayshia Allford

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The death of 10-year-old Malayshia Allford has left people across the city shocked and saddened. Now three major offices are demanding answers.

"We're trying our best to figure out what transpired with Malayshia," said Philadelphia City Councilmember Anthony Phillips.

Her death has sparked action from officials across the city, including Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.

He said he will personally oversee an independent investigation into Allford's death, allegedly at the hands of her foster mother, 36-year-old Carprice Williams.

"This will be a very independent investigation conducted by the DAO, which has special powers and special tools," said Krasner.

Krasner says his office's deep dive investigation will look into things like improving representation for children in court and reviewing child abuse cases with police in addition to Malaysia's case.

"I cannot pre-judge whether we will be bringing charges against individuals other than the one who has already been charged," Krasner said.

The DA's announcement came on the same day that Philadelphia City Council passed a resolution for a hearing into Malayshia's death. The resolution was introduced by Councilmembers Anthony Phillips and Curtis Jones Jr.

RELATED: Foster mother charged in 10-year-old's death previously faced abuse allegations, attorney says

The hearing will require officials with the Department of Human Services to answer questions.

"They've always found a way to get around these questions, but they're not going to be able to get around these questions now," said Phillips.

The hearing would also examine policies and practices to keep children safe.

"We're pointing our fingers not towards a problem, but towards solutions," said Jones.

RELATED: Philadelphia's foster care oversight questioned after death of Malayshia Allford

City Council also held a moment of silence dedicated to Malaysia at Thursday's meeting.

On Tuesday, Mayor Cherelle Parker signed an executive order establishing a committee to conduct a review of Malaysia's death and assess the performance of DHS.

The three investigations share one purpose: to ensure Malaysia Allford's tragic death wasn't in vain.

"I believe now this whole system is going to change-because we finally have a glaring example of something that was just totally, totally done wrong," said Phillips.