A shocking case has emerged in Florida where a woman has been accused of using the online gaming platform Roblox to instruct a 10-year-old child to kill a two-month-old baby. Tara Sykes, aged 36 and residing in Perdido Key, allegedly communicated with the child through Roblox’s social media feature and convinced them to carry out the violent act, as reported by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to the horrific instruction to drop the baby on a solid tile floor, Sykes reportedly demanded the child to drown the infant in the bath, scold the baby with boiling water, and even instructed the child to slit the throats of the adults they were living with while they were asleep. She allegedly went further by telling the child to spray flammable aerosol on the guardians’ bedding and set their bodies on fire.
Although the child was unable to carry out the instructions regarding the adults, it is alleged that harm was inflicted on the two-month-old infant. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the situation by the Gulf Coast Kids House, a children’s advocacy center, after the infant suffered serious injuries from being dropped on the kitchen floor by another child.
Subsequently, Tara Sykes was arrested and charged with one count of attempted murder in connection with aggravated child abuse. Following her arrest, she was held without bond at the Escambia County Jail. Sheriff Chip Simmons expressed deep concern over the case, stating, “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.”
Authorities indicated that further charges could be brought against Sykes. Previous records show that Sykes and her husband were arrested in May after their 14-year-old daughter, who was 31 weeks pregnant and malnourished, was found at their home. The couple acknowledged knowledge of the teenage pregnancy but failed to report the sexual assault. They allegedly extorted money from the suspected rapist’s grandmother, threatening to harm him if payment was not made.
In light of these events, Sykes now faces neglecting a child without causing great bodily harm in addition to the recent attempted murder charge. The case has stirred shock and disbelief, with law enforcement officials emphasising the severity of the allegations and the need for justice to be served.
As investigations continue, the community awaits further details on this disturbing and distressing case that has brought to light the dark side of online interactions and child endangerment.