In August, Arabella McCormack was rushed to the hospital after San Diego police officers responded to a child in distress call at a residence in Spring Valley. At the time, they reported bruising, malnourishment, and other signs of potential child abuse. Arabella later died in the hospital as a result of her injuries.
After an investigation that lasted several months, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department made three arrests in connection to Arabella’s death – the child’s adoptive mother and grandparents. Police officers made the arrests on November 7th and released an official statement the following day (November 8th).
49-year-old Leticia McCormack, the child’s adoptive mother, was booked for murder, three counts of torture, and three counts of willful and cruelty to a child. Leticia’s father, 75-year-old Stanley Tom, faced the same charges, while her mother, 70-year-old Adella Tom, was booked for everything except murder.
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During the investigation, police officers reached out to Arabella’s father – Brian McCormack. Upon arriving at the McCormack’s home, Brian committed suicide in the officers’ presence. Investigators are unsure of his role in the abusive environment, as they weren’t given the opportunity to speak with him.
In 2017, Brian and Leticia became foster parents to Arabella McCormack – as well as Arabella’s two younger sisters, a six-year-old and a seven-year-old. The couple eventually adopted all three of them, according to Arabella’s biological mother. Prosecutors are alleging the sisters were abused as well.
As of right now, the three living suspects are in custody and will remain behind bars without bail. Leticia was booked into the Vista Detention Facility, her father was booked into the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility, and her mother was booked into the San Diego Central Jail. They all plead not guilty.
“Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330. After hours, call the Sheriff’s non-emergency line at (858) 565-5200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477,” said the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday.
Leticia McCormack Was a Leader at a Megachurch
In the days since being booked, the world has learned more about Leticia McCormack, who was allegedly involved in the abuse, torture, and death of her adopted child. For example, we now know that she was a megachurch leader at Rock Church San Diego. She wasn’t a pastor, but she was ordained as an elder.
“We continue to grieve for Arabella and her sisters. We are so sorry that their family and friends are experiencing this unimaginable loss and pain. We send our deepest condolences to all that are grieving at this time. Our hearts go out to each of them,” said Rock Church San Diego in a statement on Thursday.
The church confirmed Leticia worked on a volunteer basis, but ‘her ordination at Rock Church was previously suspended and is in the process of being revoked,’ according to the church. They added their hope that justice is served – bringing comfort and healing to any and all who were affected.
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As for Brian McCormack, the father who committed suicide in front of the police officers, reports suggest he was a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent. The two younger sisters are now living with foster families with hope of finding new adoptive parents when the time is right. We now await a trial.
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