A 16-year-old girl who was in the custody of the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) was found dead in a Baltimore hotel, according to police.

Officers said Kanaiyah Ward was found dead at a hotel in the 800 block of North Wolfe Street on Monday, Sept. 22.

Her cause of death has not yet been determined, but police said the case is listed as questionable, as there were no signs of foul play or trauma.

DHS said it is investigating Ward's death and said it would hold its contractors accountable if it finds that their standards for care were not met.

"The well-being of Maryland's children is our top priority, and we will not rest until every child in our state is safe, thriving in a permanent home, and surrounded by loving family," the agency said in a statement.

Maryland Republic

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