Florida Mother Arrested for Instructing 10-Year-Old to Kill 2-Month-Old Baby
A 36-year-old woman, Tara Alexis Sykes, was taken into custody on Friday and charged with attempted murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Arrest Details
The incident began when the Gulf Coast Kids House, a child advocacy center, contacted the police about a 2-month-old infant who had suffered serious injuries after being dropped on the kitchen floor by a 10-year-old girl. The 10-year-old had allegedly been instructed to do so by her mother, Sykes, through an online video game known as Roblox.
The Instructions
According to the sheriff’s office, Sykes communicated with her 10-year-old daughter on Roblox and instructed her on various methods to kill the infant. The instructions included drowning the baby in the bathtub, burning the baby with scalding water, and dropping the baby on the floor to kill her.
The 10-Year-Old’s Involvement
The 10-year-old girl, who is the daughter of Sykes, picked up the 2-month-old baby after he became fussy and was walking into the kitchen. She dropped the baby on the floor, which resulted in the baby suffering a serious skull fracture.
The Mother’s Motive
During a forensic interview, the 10-year-old girl alleged that she dropped the baby at the direction of her mother, as she was "terrified of her mother and feared that if she did not follow through with the instructions, Sykes would harm or kill her as well."
Additional Allegations
The investigation also revealed that Sykes had instructed the 10-year-old on how to kill the adults she was temporarily living with by cutting their throats with a knife while they slept and burning their house by dousing bed sheets with aerosol spray and setting them on fire. The 10-year-old alleged that she doused the sheets but was unable to carry out the instructions.
Sheriff’s Response
Sheriff Chip W. Simmons expressed his shock and disgust at the allegations, stating, "I am truly disturbed by the thought that anyone could think like this, let alone instruct these acts to be carried out. There is something really wrong with her."
Conclusion
Tara Alexis Sykes is currently being held without bond, and the 10-year-old girl is not expected to be charged in the incident. The case remains under investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is Roblox, and how was it used in this incident?
A: Roblox is an online gaming platform used by children. In this case, Sykes allegedly used Roblox to instruct her 10-year-old daughter on how to harm the 2-month-old baby. - Q: What charges has Tara Alexis Sykes been accused of?
A: Sykes has been charged with attempted murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse. - Q: Will the 10-year-old girl be charged in the incident?
A: The sheriff’s office does not foresee the 10-year-old girl being charged in connection with the incident.
