Gary and Magali Lopez say they cared for Aiden Scott Bevins when he was young, but now they are living a nightmare.
SEATTLE – A couple says they previously adopted the 4-year-old boy Found buried A family member near his home in Aberdeen told KING 5 they expressed concerns about him being reunited with his biological parents, but no action was taken.
Gary and Magali Lopez said they cared for Aiden Scott Bevins from age 1 to 3, but now they are living a nightmare.
“The things we’ve been afraid of since he left…our fears,” Gary said.
When Aiden visited his birth parents, the couple said he would be dirty when he came back. They said they were worried he wasn’t eating enough and was being put in dangerous situations.
The couple said they contacted Child Protective Services multiple times, but Aiden was still placed back with his biological parents.
Magali said they continually raised concerns and pointed out red flags to appropriate agencies, including his social worker and their foster care agency. When he was returned to his biological parents, they contacted the Department of Children, Youth and Families at least three times, she said. They also messaged and called his birth parents.
They also made several trips to their home in Aberdeen to try and make contact.
Last week, they learned through a report from KING 5 that investigators found Bevins dead and buried in the backyard.
“Seeing his face on the news. It just broke our world. It was unbelievable,” Magali said.
Aberdeen police confirmed the child’s body was found buried in a family member’s yard and said detectives were continuing to investigate the boy’s death.
Gary Lopez and Magali Lopez said they felt their concerns were not taken seriously.
“I have concerns about the environment he will return to,” Magali said.
Child Protective Services said they cannot talk to KING 5 about the case because the investigation is ongoing.
“Aiden is not the only one this has happened to. Something has to change,” Magali added.
No arrests have been made and the Lopez family is trying to cope with Aiden’s death and honor the joy he brought.
“He had a very goofy personality, like one of those kids who was always dancing and jumping around. He was full of energy,” Magali said, adding that Aiden was resilient and full of joy despite everything he encountered in his short life.
