PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida Woman Arrested After Stabbing 12-Year-Old and Attempting to Conceal the Still-Living Victim’s Body
In a horrifying and deeply disturbing incident that has shaken the community of Punta Gorda, Florida, a woman was arrested after allegedly stabbing a 12-year-old girl in the face and neck, then attempting to hide her body — all while the young victim was still alive. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement in a press release following the discovery of the child in a remote area.
The incident unfolded on Monday, May 26, when deputies were called to the Cecil Webb Wildlife Management Area, a sprawling expanse of nature preserves and woodlands located in Charlotte County. According to the Sheriff’s Office, passersby discovered the injured girl and immediately contacted authorities. Responding deputies arrived to find the child with significant injuries to her face and neck. She was conscious but in critical condition, prompting immediate emergency medical response.
Authorities reported that the young victim appeared to have been left for dead, her body partially concealed in an area that made her discovery a matter of chance. It remains unclear how long she had been there before being found, but officials said it was “a miracle” she survived given the severity of her injuries and the isolation of the location.
The Sheriff’s Office launched an intensive investigation, working rapidly to identify and apprehend a suspect. Within hours, a woman — whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed pending formal charges — was taken into custody in connection with the stabbing.
Initial reports suggest that the woman had some form of connection or acquaintance with the child, although the exact nature of their relationship remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet commented on a possible motive, but early indications point toward a premeditated act of violence.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office stated in a press briefing, “This is one of the most heinous crimes we’ve seen in recent memory. That a child could be so brutally attacked and then left for dead is both heartbreaking and enraging. Thanks to the swift response of good Samaritans and our deputies, we were able to save her life and begin the process of justice.”
The victim was airlifted to a nearby hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. As of the latest updates, she remains in stable but serious condition. Medical staff have not released further details on the extent of her injuries, but Sheriff Bill Prummell emphasized that she is “a fighter” and has already shown tremendous strength in the face of such a traumatic ordeal.
Child welfare services and trauma specialists have been involved to ensure the child receives the necessary psychological and emotional support in addition to medical treatment.
The suspect faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, aggravated child abuse, and attempted concealment of a body. Investigators continue to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and work to piece together a timeline of events leading up to the assault.
The community of Punta Gorda has responded with an outpouring of support for the young girl and her family. Local organizations have begun organizing fundraisers and support initiatives for her recovery.
Law enforcement officials are asking anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the Cecil Webb Wildlife area on the day of the incident to come forward, as additional witnesses may help fill in key gaps in the investigation.
In the meantime, the Sheriff’s Office has assured the public that the suspect is in custody and there is no further threat to the community. Sheriff Prummell concluded his statement by saying, “We are committed to ensuring that justice is served for this brave little girl. No child should ever have to endure such horror, and we will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to account.”
As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge about what led to this brutal act of violence and how a vulnerable child came to be the target of such cruelty. The resilience of the victim and the rapid response of bystanders and authorities have turned what could have been a tragic loss into a story of survival and strength — one that the entire community now rallies behind.