HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. – The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 13-year-old girl in Sebring, a case Sheriff Paul Blackman described as a “horrific crime.”
Deputies responded to a call at a residence in the Sun ‘n Lake community early Friday morning. Upon arrival, they found the young girl unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene. The girl’s adoptive mother, 34-year-old Diane Natasha Mack, is now facing charges of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, kidnapping, and destroying evidence.
READ: Winter Haven Home Health Care Nurse Arrested For Stealing Over $140K From Blind Elderly Patient
Sheriff Blackman revealed disturbing details about the case, stating that the victim showed signs of severe abuse, malnourishment, and neglect. Evidence suggests the girl was restrained in the garage, possibly tied to the garage door, and monitored with a security camera.
“As bad as that is, it only gets worse,” Sheriff Blackman said. “The girl, who was nude except for a diaper, had clearly been severely abused. She was extremely emaciated and obviously malnourished. Her body was covered in wounds in all stages of healing, including open lacerations that were clearly recently suffered.”
Adding to the horror, Mack allegedly attempted to destroy evidence using pool chlorine before contacting authorities.
READ: Florida Inmate Found Guilty Of Manslaughter In Fatal Lake County Prison Stabbing
“This is one of the most disturbing crime scenes I have encountered in more than 30 years of law enforcement,” Sheriff Blackman stated.
The case takes an even more shocking turn with the revelation that Mack is a former employee of the Department of Children and Families and worked as a guardian ad litem, a role responsible for advocating for the welfare of children.
“Parents have a duty to love our children and make sure no harm comes their way. To see a child treated this way is not only heartbreaking, it is infuriating. What makes it even more appalling is that the suspect is a former employee of not only the Department of Children and Families, but also worked as a guardian ad-litem. That someone whose job it was to look after the welfare of children could treat their own child in this manner is simply beyond belief,” Sheriff Blackman said.
READ: US Marshals: Bear Attack Hoax Leads To Tennessee Murder Suspect’s Arrest In South Carolina
The Sheriff’s Office is providing Critical Incident Stress Management resources to the deputies and detectives involved in the investigation, recognizing the deeply disturbing nature of the case.
“This is something that no amount of law enforcement experience can prepare you to face,” Sheriff Blackman said. “I can assure you that we will do everything in our power to make sure that there is justice for this child.”
Mack is currently being held without bail in the Highlands County Jail.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.