City of San Diego and Rock Church settle for millions over adopted girl’s death
A recent civil lawsuit involving City of San Diego, Rock Church and other agencies has resulted in a proposed multi‑million‑dollar settlement over the tragic death of 11‑year‑old Arabella McCormack.
According to the legal filing, the case claims that several individuals and organizations — including school employees, social workers, and church members — were aware (or should have been aware) of prolonged abuse and neglect of Arabella and her younger sisters, yet failed to act or report it to authorities.
When authorities responded in August 2022, they found Arabella in critical condition: severely emaciated, with numerous injuries, fractures, and signs of long‑term starvation and abuse. She died shortly thereafter. Her two younger sisters were also rescued — extremely malnourished — and are now in protective care.
As of December 2025, a judge approved settlements totalling $21.5 million: $10 million from the City of San Diego, $3 million from Rock Church, and $8.5 million from a homeschool program tied to the case.
Additional settlement talks with the county remain ongoing.
The lawsuit frames this tragedy not as an isolated incident, but as the outcome of systemic failures — multiple mandated‑reporters and protection systems repeatedly overlooked or dismissed warning signs of abuse.
