This explains a little more:
http://www.newsday.com/services/new.../news/ny-nybaby085493011dec08,0,5992318.story
Walter Miller of Brownsville, who has a common-law partnership with Rodney's mother, Elsa Rodney, said they learned about Tkai's death from news reports. After unsuccessful calls to the home, Jillian Rodney, who is known as "Pinky," called them early Friday morning after she was released by police after being taken in for questioning, Miller said. He said Jillian Rodney had "called crying" saying that Marcelle had hit Tkai.
Miller said he did not know where Jillian Rodney was staying but believed she was with family members. Elsa Rodney had no comment about the Tkai's death,
only saying the girl is "not my daughter's child."
This also from the article:
Marcelle had abused Tkai on other occasions, including eight days ago when he burned the girl by pouring hot water on her feet in the bathtub because she had defecated on herself, sources said. He did not seek medical attention for her, they said.
Along with Tkai, Marcelle lived in the home with Jillian Rodney, 23, and their three children. The children, ages 4, 3 and 2 months, were taken into custody by the Administration for Children's Services. (more at link)
Wonder where Tkai's mommy is.
