A Florida woman who once protected children is accused of unspeakable crimes against her adopted daughter justice is now being sought.#News #HighlandsCountyFL #Florida #Crime
HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLA former employee of Florida s Department of Children and Families (DCF) is facing severe criminal charges after the tragic death of her 13-year-old adopted daughter in Sebring, Florida. Authorities allege the child suffered prolonged abuse and neglect before being murdered in what the local sheriff described as a horrific crime.
Grim Discovery in Sebring Home
Deputies from the Highlands County Sheriff s Office were dispatched to a residence in the Sun n Lake of Sebring community just after midnight on Friday. Upon arrival, they found the young girl unresponsive on the floor near the front door. Despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The adoptive mother, 34-year-old Diane Natasha Mack, initially claimed she discovered the child unresponsive earlier on Thursday morning. However, she later revised her timeline, stating the incident occurred closer to 3 p.m. Before seeking medical help, Mack reportedly transported four other children from the home to Titusville, delaying the emergency call until her return.
As bad as that is, it only gets worse, said Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman in a statement. The girl, who was nude except for a diaper, had clearly been severely abused. She was extremely emaciated and obviously malnourished. Her body was covered in wounds in all stages of healing, including open lacerations that were clearly recently suffered.
Evidence of Abuse and Attempted Cover-Up
Investigators discovered disturbing evidence in the home indicating the child had been restrained in the garage. Detectives believe she was secured to the garage door and monitored through a security camera. Although it is unclear how long the girl was confined, authorities say the conditions suggested prolonged abuse.
Sheriff Blackman further revealed efforts to destroy evidence at the scene, stating, While her child lay dead on the floor, the suspect had clearly used pool chlorine in an effort to destroy evidence in the garage before calling 911.
The sheriff also described the scene as one of the worst he has encountered in over three decades of law enforcement. This is one of the most disturbing crime scenes I have encountered in more than 30 years of law enforcement. There are no words I can say that can truly convey the nightmare that this child s life must have been, he said.
Former Advocate for Children Faces Charges
Mack s background as a former DCF employee and guardian ad-litem has intensified public outrage.
Sheriff Blackman commented on the betrayal of trust, stating, To see a child treated this way is not only heartbreaking, it is infuriating. What makes it even more appalling is that the suspect is a former employee of not only the Department of Children and Families, but also worked as a guardian ad-litem. That someone whose job it was to look after the welfare of children could treat their own child in this manner is simply beyond belief.
Mack has been charged with first-degree murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse, aggravated child abuse, kidnapping, and destroying evidence. She is being held without bail at the Highlands County Jail.
The sheriff s office has offered Critical Incident Stress Management resources to deputies and detectives involved in the case. This is something that no amount of law enforcement experience can prepare you to face, Blackman said. I can assure you that we will do everything in our power to make sure that there is justice for this child.
The devastating loss of this young girl is a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children. As the community grieves, may her story inspire action to prevent such tragedies in the future.But Jesus said, Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.(Matthew 19:14)
RELATED TOPICS:Crime|Florida
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