The recent Maryland Department of Human Services report sheds light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of 16-year-old Kanaiyah Ward while under the care of Fenwick Behavioral Services, a contractor for foster care supervision. Fox Baltimore reported that DHS found instances of negligence by Fenwick's staff, including inadequate supervision and improper storage of medication, leading up to Ward's suicide on September 22, 2025, when she intentionally overdosed on the active ingredient in Benadryl while staying at the Residence Inn by Marriott.
As per the DHS report, a lone worker was assigned a grueling 53-hour shift to watch over Ward after the next caregiver called out sick, highlighting a failure in the system to protect vulnerable children under care. Despite a directive requiring continuous supervision, with obligatory hourly checks where staff members were not allowed to fall asleep and medicines were mandated to be secure in a lock box, the tragedy still unfolded, Thomas Doyle, Ward's family attorney, expressed his dismay at the situation, saying "I cannot imagine how much Benadryl it takes to overdose a young, strong heart," in an interview obtained by Fox Baltimore.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office has declared that no criminal charges will be filed in connection with Ward's death. WMAR-2 News covered the announcement, stating, "After a thorough review by the State’s Attorney’s Special Victims Unit, it was concluded that this case does not rise to the level of criminal behavior and that none of the individuals involved had any intent to deny the victim necessary aid or resources." The Maryland DHS has responded to the incident by terminating its practice of placing foster care youth in hotel settings.
