CPS decisions take spotlight in trial for man charged with murder in death of 3-year-old

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — A disturbing murder trial over the death of a three-year-old continued in Rochester Friday.

Police say on July 11, 2020, Kei’Mere was found unconscious and not breathing inside a home on Avenue C. He was taken to the hospital where he died three days later.

The jury heard a doctor say at one point, there were bruises on Kei’Mere’s face that were the size of an adult’s hand. They also heard from the child protective worker who investigated alleged abuse against Kei’Mere after those bruises were found in May of 2020.

The jury learned Child Protective Services closed the case a month later as being unfounded even though the caseworker never talked to the doctor who made the report or looked at medical records.

The prosecution says Kei’Mere died just two weeks after the case closed from massive internal injuries through his whole body.

Kei’Mere’s mother’s boyfriend, Anthony Love, is on trial for murder and manslaughter.

Kei’Mere’s family says his mother, Andrea Lipton, and CPS also had a hand in the tragedy.

“They all played a part in it—Andrea, Anthony and CPS,” But CPS being a system, that’s why it kind of hurts more, because you guys are meant to protect kids,” said Kei’Mere’s godmother, Deaire Phillips.

Assistant District Attorney Sara VanStrydonck said CPS has a difficult job and the risks that come with it can be high.

“In general people make mistakes at their job and sometimes the mistakes can be as simple as screwing up an order if you’re a waitress,” VanStrydonck said. “When you’re a CPS worker the stakes are higher, obviously.”

Lipton is also charged with manslaughter. Her trial will start in the spring.

Love’s trial will continue on Tuesday.