Gary and Magali Lopez said they cared for Aiden Scott Bevins when he was younger and they are now living a nightmare.
SEATTLE — A couple who said they previously fostered the 4-year-old boy found buried near a family member’s Aberdeen home told KING 5 they had raised 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 ages 1 to 3 and they are now living a nightmare.
“Something that we had been dreading … a fear of ours ever since he left,” Gary said.
When Aiden had visits with his biological parents, the couple said he’d come back dirty. They said they were concerned 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 continuously raised concerns and pointed out red flags to the appropriate agencies, including his social worker and their foster 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 his biological parents and called them.
They went to the Aberdeen home several times as well to try and make contact.
Last week, they learned through KING 5’s reporting that investigators found Bevins dead and buried in this backyard.
“And to see his face in the news. Just shattered our world. It’s unbelievable,” Magali said.
Aberdeen police confirmed the child’s body was found buried in a family member’s yard and said detectives are continuing to investigate the boy’s death.
Gary and Magali Lopez said they feel like their concerns weren’t taken seriously.
“I raised concerns about the environment that he would be returning to,” Magali said.
Child Protective Services said they couldn’t speak to KING 5 about the case because there’s an ongoing investigation.
“Aiden is not the only one that this has happened to. Something has to change,” Magali added.
No arrests have been made in the case as the Lopez family tries to cope with Aiden’s death, remembering him for the joy he brought.
“He had a very silly personality, like, he was one of those kids that are always just dancing, jumping around. He was full of energy,” Magali said, adding that Aiden was resilient and, despite everything he faced in his short life, he was full of joy.
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