MIAMI - Department of Children and Families Secretary Jerry Regier ordered a review of his agency's handling of investigations involving alleged child abuse by Shahab Behzadpour, who killed himself and his two young children - Nikki, 6, and Sammi, 3 - by crashing his car into his in-laws' Altamonte Springs house on Christmas Day.
Behzadpour and his wife, Hope, were going through an acrimonious divorce. Earlier this year, she sought a protective injunction against her husband, whom she said threatened to kill himself and the children so she would never have them. A judge denied the request in September.
Hope Behzadpour also said in court papers that she suspected her husband had sexually abused their daughter. She said her daughter was examined by doctors after complaining of painful urination. Court papers show that a hospital physician notified sheriff's deputies and DCF officials.
The agency, citing confidentiality laws, could not confirm the details of any investigations.
