2-month-old baby seriously injured after a 10-year-old child followed the instructions of a woman he was communicating with through a game’s chat to kill the infant; woman charged
Florida – In a chilling and unprecedented case in Florida, a 36-year-old woman, identified as T. Sykes, faces severe legal repercussions after manipulating a 10-year-old to commit murder through a chat on a popular gaming platform.
Authorities arrested Sykes last week, charging her with one count of attempted murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse. This arrest followed a harrowing incident reported by a child advocacy center on October 17, 2024. They reported that a 2-month-old infant had been seriously injured after being dropped on a kitchen floor by a 10-year-old, an act that stemmed from Sykes’ manipulation.
Investigators revealed that Sykes had established communication with the child through the platform, exploiting the game’s chat features to issue deadly instructions. According to the sheriff’s office, Sykes had detailed multiple methods by which the child could commit infanticide, including drowning the infant in a bathtub, scalding the infant with hot water, and causing fatal injuries by dropping the infant onto a hard surface.
Furthermore, Sykes’ manipulation extended beyond attempts to harm the infant. She also provided detailed instructions on how to kill the adults living with the child. These included slitting their throats while they slept and setting fire to their house by igniting aerosol-doused bed sheets. Authorities noted that the child had prepared to execute the plan by dousing sheets with aerosol spray, but fortunately was unable to set the home on fire.
Sheriff C. Simmons expressed his disturbance and shock over the case, stating, “I have been in law enforcement for over 40 years and have never seen anything quite like this. I am truly disturbed by the circumstances and the thought that anyone could think like this, let alone instruct these acts to be carried out. There is something really wrong with her.”
This case is not the first instance of troubling behavior from Sykes. Earlier in the year, Sykes and her husband were charged with child neglect — endangerment—after they allowed a 20-year-old man who impregnated their 14-year-old daughter to live in their family home. The situation was brought to light when deputies were called to investigate the health and living conditions of the pregnant teenager, who was found to be malnourished. During the investigation, it was discovered that Sykes and her husband were aware of the se-ual relationship between their daughter and the 20-year-old, yet failed to report the se-ual battery. They also allegedly attempted to extort $10,000 from the young man’s grandmother as hush money to conceal the crime.
Both cases against Sykes are ongoing, with the community and law enforcement reeling from the severity and depravity of the allegations. Currently held without bond in jail, Sykes faces a potential long-term prison sentence if convicted. This case has not only highlighted the dangers of online interactions among minors but also the profound impact of adult influence in guiding the actions of the young. As the legal proceedings continue, the community seeks justice for the victims and a thorough examination of how such a dire manipulation could have unfolded.
