Florida AG seeks death penalty for a couple accused of confining four children in a truck cab for years and subjecting them to severe abuse.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says prosecutors will seek the death penalty against a couple accused of confining four children inside a tractor-trailer cab for years while allegedly subjecting them to sexual abuse, neglect and physical harm.
Keisha Monique Epps, 51, and Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37, were arrested Aug. 6 and face multiple charges involving two girls and two boys. Authorities allege that the children spent much of their childhood inside the sleeper cab of a truck driven on routes between Miami and Atlanta.
The children were identified by investigators as two 5-year-olds, a 6-year-old and a 9-year-old. Their identities have been withheld because of their ages and the nature of the allegations.
Florida AG calls case among most horrific
Uthmeier described the investigation as one of the most disturbing cases his team has handled.
According to investigators, the children were allegedly confined inside the truck for more than six years. They reportedly had limited access to basic necessities, including regular showers, outdoor exercise, medical care and schooling.
Investigators said the children had not attended school for approximately five years. A detective also reported that the children’s prolonged confinement appeared to have affected the way they walked.
The children allegedly shared a small sleeping area inside the truck cab, with reports indicating that all four had to sleep closely together because of the limited space.
Children allegedly subjected to sexual abuse
Authorities also accuse Stewart of sexually abusing two of the girls over a period of years.
According to the Florida attorney general’s office, the two boys allegedly witnessed some of the abuse and confronted Stewart. Investigators say the boys were subsequently physically assaulted.
Authorities further allege that Epps was aware of the abuse but failed to protect the children or report it.
Stewart allegedly admitted to investigators that he committed multiple sexual batteries against one of the girls, according to the attorney general’s office. One child was also reportedly found with an untreated sexually transmitted infection.
The allegations have resulted in multiple sexual battery, molestation and child-neglect charges against Stewart. Epps faces sexual battery, child-neglect and failure-to-report-abuse charges, according to prosecutors.
Children allegedly denied school and medical care
The allegations extend beyond sexual abuse.
Investigators say the children were deprived of regular education and medical and dental treatment while living inside the truck.
Authorities also allege that the children were forced to use cups or bags as toilets while the adults left the vehicle during stops. The children allegedly spent the overwhelming majority of their time inside the truck rather than living in a conventional home environment.
Earlier court records described the children as being poorly fed and lacking access to necessary medical attention. One child reportedly suffered a serious burn that was not treated by the adults.
Death penalty possible under Florida law
The Florida attorney general’s decision to seek capital punishment follows allegations involving sexual battery of children younger than 12.
Florida law permits prosecutors to seek the death penalty in certain cases involving capital sexual battery against a child under 12. A conviction could also result in life imprisonment without parole, depending on the charges and circumstances.
The decision does not mean the defendants have been convicted. Epps and Stewart remain in custody while the criminal case proceeds, and the allegations against them will have to be proven in court.
Investigation and prosecution continue
The children have been removed from the alleged environment and are receiving assistance following their rescue.
The case has drawn national attention because of the length of the alleged confinement and the range of abuse investigators say the children experienced.
Uthmeier has vowed to pursue the case aggressively, while the defendants remain entitled to due process as the prosecution moves forward.
The investigation remains ongoing, and prosecutors could pursue additional charges as authorities continue examining the children’s years of alleged confinement and abuse.
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