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Siblings of toddler found dead to stay with family members

Local 10 News has learned Ahziya Osceola, 3, found dead in laundry bag inside Hollywood home

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – The siblings of a missing 3-year-old boy who was found dead inside his home in Hollywood last week will stay at an aunt's home temporarily, a Broward County judge determined Monday. 

Ahziya Osceola's siblings, 5-year-old Cameron Rodezno and 8-month-old Candy Osceola, were being looked after by family members ahead of the shelter hearing. The hearing was rescheduled from Saturday since the father, Nelson Osceola, did not have an attorney at the time.

The judge said Nelson Osceola could get visitation rights, but only after Hollywood police detectives finish interviewing Rodezno, which isn't expected to conclude until Thursday.

Police said Ahziya's body was found late Thursday night in the house where the boy lived with his two siblings, his father and his stepmother, Analiz Osceola.

Local 10 News has since learned that Ahziya's body was found behind the washer and dryer, stuffed inside a laundry bag.

Kenneth Tommie said his grandson was being watched by Analiz Osceola when he disappeared. She is currently in the psychiatric ward of a hospital, although authorities have not said why.

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, there were four prior reports involving the Osceola family dating back to 2013.

The first report of substance abuse in 2013 was closed with "not substantiated" findings and "no indicators" for physical injury.

The second incident happened in January 2014 after the boy was found wandering a hotel lobby while his mother, Karen Cypress, was under the influence in her room. That incident led to Nelson Osceola taking custody of Ahziya.

In April 2014 and again just last month, reports of abuse by Nelson Osceola were closed.

Public records show that both parents, who are members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, have previously been arrested.

No arrests have been made at this time, but police said they are continuing to interview family members.

A final determination of custody for the two surviving children is scheduled for April 15. Nelson Osceola is expected to be granted visitation rights if he isn't charged in his son's death.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10


About the Author
Amanda Batchelor headshot

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

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