WOKV news has just learned the state has removed Cherish Perrywinkle's sisters from the care of their mother, Rayne Perrywinkle.
The Department of Children & Family spokesman John Harrell says it was not done to punish Perrywinkle.
"Our first concern is the safety of the children. In these types of cases this is not about punishing the parent. It's about helping the parent and making sure the children are safe."
Harrell says because of privacy laws he could not say how long the children would not be in their mother's care. He also could not confirm whether there was any active investigation going on.
Harrell says, "In cases like these we would work to get the parent and the children reunited when it is safe to do so."
He says in cases similar to this one, case plans are made for parents to complete before there can be a reunification.
He confirms the children are safe and sound but would not confirm who is now watching them.
Our newspartner Action news is reporting Cherish's mother and her fiance have been granted supervised visits with the children.
Police say a sex offender killed Cherish Perrywinkle after abducting her from a Walmart on Lem Turner Road in June. Donald Smith faces murder charges in her death. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
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