Grandfather of abandoned girl seeks custody
NEWARK, Del. - March 25, 2010 (WPVI) -- The family of a little girl abandoned in Newark, Delaware, wants to take her home to Florida.
Some of Hannah's family members, including her grandfather, drove 19 hours from Florida to Delaware family court hoping to see Hannah, but they were turned away.
"I travelled over a thousand miles just to see my granddaughter," said Hannah's grandfather Ernest Belizaire.
"All we want to do is see her, make sure she actually is okay," said cousin Emmanuel Jean.
However, they did get some bittersweet news. They learned one of them can see Hannah on Friday.
Speaking exclusively to Actoin News, Hannah's grandfather says he came to the courthouse seeking custody, knowing distant New Jersey relatives that Patricia met through the internet several years ago want custody, too.
Hannah's court-appointed attorney, Nick Krayer, says the New Jersey relatives may have a claim to custody.
"Usually you would look at closer relatives first, but it depends on the relationship with the child. For instance, if the child had a better relationship with the sixth or seventh cousin, and never knew the grandfather, you may want to consider that person first," Krayer said.
So far, no relatives have been allowed to see Hannah, who remains at a Delaware foster home. It could take up to six months to decide who gets permanent custody of the child.
