LA County considering $20M settlement in case of Palmdale boy who was tortured, murdered by parents

LOS ANGELES COUNTY (KABC) -- Los Angeles County leaders are considering a $20 million settlement in a lawsuit brought on by the family of Noah Cuatro, a Palmdale boy who was tortured and murdered by his parents in 2019.

The 4-year-old's grandmother filed a civil lawsuit in 2020 on behalf of his siblings. It claims the California Department of Children and Family Services failed to carry out an order to remove Cuatro from his parents, weeks before he was killed.

In April last year, Noah's parents pleaded no contest and are currently serving lengthy prison sentences.

Jose Maria Cuatro Jr. was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison, and Ursula Elaine Juarez was sentenced to 22 years to life for Noah Cuatro's death, which was initially reported as a drowning.

"Noah Cuatro's death was a profound tragedy and no settlement can ever atone for his suffering or undo the loss his relatives have experienced," read a statement from L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. "While I cannot comment on the details of the pending settlement, I remain committed to ensuring that Los Angeles County continues to strengthen protections for vulnerable children."

City News Service, Inc. contributed to this report.