NewsFOX 13 Tampa BaySeptember 11, 2026Hillsborough County
Polk County Sheriff's Office arrests Lakeland mother on aggravated child abuse charge following infant's death
Photo: FOX 13 Tampa Bay
A 42-year-old Lakeland woman faces an aggravated child abuse charge after an autopsy revealed her 3-month-old infant died from violent head impacts rather than an accidental co-sleeping event. Deputies booked the suspect into the Polk County Jail on Thursday, Sept. 10, following an investigation that linked physical evidence and text messages to the incident.
Read the full story at FOX 13 Tampa BayWhy It Matters
A local resident faces felony criminal charges and imprisonment following an infant fatality investigation by the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Key Facts
- A 42-year-old Lakeland woman was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse following the death of a 3-month-old boy.
- Emergency responders went to a Lakeland home late Sunday, Sept. 6, after a report about an unresponsive infant.
- Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Nelson determined the infant died from violent head impacts rather than an accidental co-sleeping event, identifying three separate impact injuries.
- An autopsy revealed a 1.7 cm by 1 cm L-shaped mark matching a square object, which detectives later linked to a large, diamond-like stone ring worn by the suspect.
- Text messages retrieved from the night of the incident showed the suspect bought alcoholic shots, stated she killed the infant, and asked the child's father to delete the text history.
- Deputies booked the suspect into the Polk County Jail on Thursday, Sept. 10.
- The Polk County Sheriff's Office stated that the criminal investigation remains ongoing and additional charges have not been confirmed.
Who's Mentioned
PersonDr. Stephen Nelson“Medical Examiner who identified impact injuries during the autopsy.”locationPolk County Jail“Facility where the suspect was booked.”PersonJessica Vlasac“Lakeland woman arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse.”locationLakeland“City where the incident occurred.”OrganizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“Law enforcement agency conducting the investigation and making the arrest.”OrganizationOrlando Health Medical“Medical facility in Lakeland where the infant was pronounced dead.”