It's been a year since Bella Bond was found on Deer Island

DEER ISLAND, Mass. — One year ago Saturday, a woman walking the beach on Deer Island found the remains of a toddler.

The case of Baby Doe would soon puzzle not only Massachusetts, but people all over the nation, wondering what happened to the little girl and who she belonged to. But it would be several months until those questions were answered.

A little less than a week after the discovery, police released a sketch of the girl, nicknamed Baby Doe.

An anonymous text tipline was created for any tops related to Baby Doe and by July 20, 84 billboards across the state had Baby Doe's face plastered on it.

It wasn't until Sept. 18 that the face finally had a real name - Bella Bond.

The District Attorney said Bella Neveah Amoroso Bond was killed by her mother's boyfriend, Michael McCarthy. Her mother, Rachelle Bond, was charged with accessory after the fact.

The case put a lot of scrutiny on Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Between 2001 and 2006, the state terminated Rachelle Bond's parental rights to two of her children. She has been arrested on drug and prostitution charges in the past. However, DCF let Rachelle Bond keep Bella, even after two neglect cases, one in 2012 and one in 2013.

A report from the Officer of the Child Advocate determined that the Department of Child and Families did not properly assess Rachelle Bond's ability to parent and underestimated the risk to her daughter

Both Rachelle Bond and Michael McCarthy are in custody, awaiting trial.

"Baby Bella's case has touched this department deeply. We are committed to seeing it through to the end, to a day when we will speak for this innocent child in a court of law and ensure that justice is served on her behalf. Bella will never be forgotten within the Massachusetts State Police and our partner agencies," said State Police in a statement on their Facebook page.

On Sunday, there will be a candlelight vigil on Deer Island for Baby Bella.

Cox Media Group