According to law enforcement sources, charges were not brought in the 2021 case because the 4-year-old child gave inconsistent accounts during numerous interviews with police. The Philadelphia Police Department declined to discuss the matter, saying any prior reports or investigative activity involving Williams fall within the scope of the ongoing homicide investigation.

A 2021 lawsuit filed by the law firm Kline and Specter alleged that Williams savagely beat the 4-year-old child. The suit, which was settled out of court two years ago, also noted that an Act 33 review team recommended Williams never be used as a foster parent for other children in the future. Sources said Williams would have had to successfully appeal the review's findings to avoid triggering mandated child abuse clearance alarms related to her employment as a teacher. The state Department of Human Services said it cannot comment on appeals or their potential outcomes, and the School District of Philadelphia said it does not comment on personnel matters.

Marci Hamilton, an expert in child abuse and neglect cases, questioned the decision not to pursue charges in 2021. "What I see in this case is the constellation of failures," Hamilton said. "It is the combination of the police not further investigating a really bad case in '21."

It is alleged that Williams beat Malayshia to death with a cord and had abused her over a lengthy period. Williams' public defender has declined to comment.

The case has prompted city action. Mayor Cherelle Parker signed an executive order Tuesday establishing a Child Welfare Review Committee to examine Philadelphia's foster care system and recommend changes to better protect children. The committee must submit its findings and recommendations within 120 days after convening.

"This is a crisis of unimaginable proportions. The death of Malayshia Alford has shaken me and our city to its core," Parker said in a statement. "The review required by law must take place, but I am requiring the city to do more. We must examine our foster care system thoroughly and independently, identify where it must improve and act to better protect our children."

Parker added: "We will leave no stone unturned as we seek answers for what happened in this case, to understand more fully how it happened, and to make any changes necessary to ensure that it never happens again. We grieve Malayshia Alford's loss. Every child matters in Philadelphia."

City councilmembers are also moving to investigate. Councilmember Curtis Jones posted on social media that he and Anthony Phillips plan to introduce a resolution calling for a hearing on Malayshia's case, as well as oversight concerning children in foster care.