'Nothing was done': Family of Dante Campbell calls on CPS to do more for kids in crisis

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The parents of 4-year-old Dante Campbell are facing charges in his death. They're also accused of abusing Dante's twin sister. Loved ones claim Child Protective Services (CPS) didn't do enough to protect the children.

Four-year-old Dante Campbell died earlier this month. Wednesday, Wisconsin's Department of Children and Families offered its first on-camera comment since his death.

CBS 58's Pavlina Osta asked Secretary Jeff Pertl if an internal investigation is underway.

"Unfortunately, because it's an ongoing CPS issue investigation, I can't comment on that. But I know that we take all of it immensely seriously," Pertl said.

Dante's cousin, who asked to not be named or shown on camera, claims the family called Child Protective Services about 10 times, saying Dante and his twin sister were being abused.

"They did know about the abuse, especially like immediate family knew about the abuse. Every single one that I know of called CPS. They called CPS or there was a police report filed and nothing was done."

According to the criminal complaint, a friend of the family was taking care of the kids and concerned with the amount of bruising she saw. She anonymously called CPS but claimed, "CPS never physically examined the children."

"We would see scratches, bruises, black eyes, like a print on your throat when you're getting choked. He was very malnourished. He looked very, very tiny for a 4-year-old."

In the criminal complaint, Dante's mother confirmed she was in contact with CPS but was avoiding their calls.

"They're supposed to look into it and then go make contact. There was multiple times that they could've gone, went to go contact."

We've learned Dante will be laid to rest in the coming days. The details have not been shared publicly. 

The parents were expected in court Wednesday, but the hearing was pushed back because they do not have attorneys.