A mother has been charged in reference to the dying of her 5-year-old son after his physique was present in a trash bag in Perdido Bay, Florida
The investigation started on Friday, February 6, after a lady, later recognized because the suspect’s sister, known as police at round 9:30 a.m., expressing considerations for her nephew’s security. Particulars on what the sister informed officers or the explanation behind her fears have but to be publicly launched. At 10:14 a.m., the Escambia County Sheriff’s Workplace responded to a name a few potential physique within the bay. The physique was later recognized because the 5-year-old boy, who has not been named publicly.
Early that afternoon, Sheriff Chip Simmons launched a video asking the general public for its help in finding the deceased baby’s mom, Jalynda Smith. Lower than two hours later, Simmons confirmed the mom had been arrested and charged with “aggravated manslaughter (murder).” It’s presently unclear how or why Smith, 36, was recognized as a suspect within the case.
Investigators later searched her residence, however it’s unclear in the event that they discovered something they imagine is related to the case.
As for the occasions that led as much as the 5-year-old boy’s dying, Simmons stated they had been nonetheless “ready on phrase from the health worker’s workplace as to the precise trigger.”
“I do need to thank everybody that shared info and (noticed) the photographs we posted that actually helped us make this fast seize,” he added.
This isn’t Smith’s first run-in with police. Again in 2022, she was charged with “baby neglect with out nice bodily hurt” after allegedly leaving her then-toddler alone for a couple of hours whereas she left the house. The 18-month-old child was found in his crib crying with a grimy diaper on by a upkeep man who had stopped by to examine Smith’s condominium that day.
The person informed the workplace supervisor of the constructing what had occurred after which stayed with the kid till officers arrived on the scene. When Smith returned, she informed deputies that she’d solely left her baby so she may go to the shop. Nevertheless, her receipt was dated for 10:04 a.m. that morning, greater than two hours earlier than she got here again to the residence.
Smith later pleaded “no contest” to the kid neglect cost. Quite than go to trial, she was capable of take a court-recommended parental abilities course and comply with a case plan made by the Division of Kids and Households. The cost was finally dropped in 2023, in response to courtroom data reported by the Pensacola Information Journal.
The investigation into the younger boy’s dying is presently ongoing. Because the investigation continues, Smith may nonetheless face further fees as new info involves gentle.
She is presently being held with out bond.
The sheriff’s workplace has requested for anybody with info to name them at (850) 436-9620 or 911. Nameless tipsters also can share info by CrimeStoppers at 850-433-STOP (7867).
For those who or somebody you understand is experiencing baby abuse, name or textual content Baby Assist Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

