CPS Investigated Abuse Complaints Involving Missing Mom, Boy

Investigators with Child Protective Services investigated complaints of abuse of the boy whose body was found Thursday three times in recent years, an agency representative told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

Sherry Hill of CPS told reporter Chris Legeros that of 10 complaints filed involving 29-year-old Shantina Smiley and her son, 8-year-old Azriel Carver, three were investigated.

Investigators looked into a June 2005 complaint that Azriel suffered serious physical abuse at the hands of Smiley's ex-boyfriend, and the man was arrested but never prosecuted, Hill said.

Investigators concluded a March 2007 complaint that Smiley abused her son was unfounded, Hill said.

In August 2007, CPS investigators found Smiley neglected the boy when he was unsupervised while she was passed-out drunk. Azriel was taken from his mother's care but returned to her after she got treatment, Hill said.

Hill said CPS is now conducting a review of the case to see whether the agency made mistakes.

Meanwhile, the Pierce County medical examiner's office on Friday said Azriel, whose body washed ashore on a Fox Island beach, drowned.

WATCH IT: Autopsy Concluded On Boy

The search continued for Smiley, who hasn't been seen since she was spotted with her son on Saturday night in Olympia.

Previous Stories: March 19, 2010: ME Says Boy Drowned While Plane Searches For Mother March 18, 2010: Medical Examiner Confirms Body Is That Of Missing Boy March 18, 2010: Police: Item On Beach Belongs To Missing Mom March 17, 2010: Bottle Of Wine Emerges As New Clue In Case Of Missing Mother, Boy March 17, 2010: Fiancé Of Missing Silverdale Woman Reveals New Detail March 16, 2010: Detectives Search Van Of Missing Mother, Son March 16, 2010: Search Continues In Disappearance Of Mom, Son