DHS wanted 8-year-old removed from mother's care before death

DETROIT (WXYZ) - State officials say they tried twice to take custody of 8-year-old Tameria Greene before she was allegedly murdered by her mother, Semeria Greene, last Sunday.

The Department of Human Services says they tried to take custody of Tameria as far back as two years ago. In a statement put out this evening the director of DHS says in part:

"DHS acted on the concerns reported by Tameria's family, friends and neighbors, including petitioning the court for removal of the children from the home dating back to 2010…"

The statement goes on to say DHS tried as recently as November 28 of last year to take custody of 8-year-old Tameria and her four younger brothers.

Tameria's paternal grandmother says she is trying to gain custody of the other children.

"They're lost, they're lonely and they need their family. If you could just pray for them, I would truly, truly appreciate it," said

Court documents show Child Protective Services visited Tameria in October and found evidence of abuse. A social worker reported that Tameria said her mother bit her face and arm – and the 8-year-old said she would be in trouble if she told.

In 2010, Child Protective Services workers were also involved when it was alleged that the children were found in soiled diapers, the home was in "complete disarray" and there was nothing in the refrigerator but mayonnaise. And at that time, according to court documents, Semeria Greene's sister told social workers that Semeria "prostitutes" and has a "substance abuse problem".

The children were removed and returned to their mother a few months later.

In 2008, court records show Semeria Greene was cited for prostitution.

Tameria was killed on Sunday – stabbed once in the chest – her own mother 26-year-old mother Semeria Greene is charged with the murder. Sources say she Greene took a knife to her daughter after a fight with her boyfriend.

Semeria Greene is expected to be arraigned on the murder charge on Thursday, January 3, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. at 36th District Court in Detroit.