Florida Parents Charged After Daughter Found Dead in Tallahassee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A mother and her husband were arrested after their 5-year-old daughter was found unresponsive at their home on Monday. Chloe Spencer, 23, and her stepfather, Daniel Spencer, 35, face multiple serious charges, including aggravated battery and child neglect.

According to court documents, police discovered the girl at the family’s residence in southeast Tallahassee shortly before 7:45 a.m. and transported her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead about an hour later. Investigators believe both parents physically and mentally abused the child.

State Attorney Jack Campbell expressed his dismay over the girl’s death, citing that Daniel Spencer was previously released into the community while awaiting sentencing for child sex crimes. He had been convicted last month and faced a minimum of two years in prison but could serve up to 20 years.

Detectives noted excessive bruising and signs of malnourishment on the girl’s body, suggesting she had been subjected to severe abuse. Reports indicated the child had injuries consistent with being struck by a belt and showed signs of being bound.

The incident reportedly escalated when a tantrum led to Daniel Spencer leaving the girl alone to handle her distress, which raised concerns among authorities about the couple’s explanation of events leading up to the girl’s unresponsive state.

Search warrants executed at the home uncovered disturbing video evidence showing Daniel physically abusing the child. He is accused of actions that included hitting her and binding her with pillows. Chloe also admitted to hitting her daughter and allowed Daniel’s abusive behavior to continue.

Both parents have been denied bond and are held in Leon County Detention Facility. Additional charges may be forthcoming pending the results of an autopsy, which has yet to determine the exact cause of death.

This tragic case remains under investigation, and the community is reeling from the news of the young girl’s death.