A claim has been settled against the Iowa Health and Human Services Department regarding the death of a Perry teenager eight years ago.

Sources say that the state of Iowa settled a claim for $4.175 million from J.R., a sibling related to Sabrina Ray, who passed away in 2017 after starving to death and being abused by her adoptive parents, Marc and Misty Ray. According to records with the State Appeals Board, J.R. was severely physically abused, neglected, and tortured by their adoptive parents, and that HHS’ actions contributed. 

The claim reports that HHS did not properly investigate complaints about neglect or abuse that the sibling was also staying with Marc and Misty Ray. Sources say that the settlement provides $2.3 million for the benefit of J.R. with the rest to pay for attorney fees and other litigation fees that are paid through the state’s general fund. 

Misty Ray was sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years, and Marc was sentenced to 80 years.