Florida – In a tragic event that has gripped a community in Florida, a 24-year-old stepmother, identified as C. Fite, faces serious charges following the death of her 5-year-old stepson in a distressing accident. Fite was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter by child abuse after the boy drowned in a ditch filled with hazardous water.
On the evening of October 11, 2024, deputies were called to a distressing scene at a residence, where they found a young boy in dire conditions. The child, later identified only as Riley, was discovered unresponsive, naked, and covered in mud. Despite rapid transport to a hospital, Riley was pronounced dead at 6:17 p.m. due to drowning. During the investigation, Fite told authorities she had been supervising Riley and his siblings outside their trailer home, which lacked electricity due to Hurricane Helene’s aftermath. She admitted she let the children “entertain” unsupervised in muddy conditions while she was inside folding clothes. Tragically, it was during this time that the accident occurred.
Fite recounted hearing her daughter alert her that Riley was submerged in water. Initially disbelieving, Fite continued her chores until the severity of the situation became apparent. She then found Riley in a large hole filled with runoff water from a nearby pigpen—an area that had been dug out earlier that day to drain excess water and now contained a mix of water and fluids from the pigs. Despite attempts to save him, it was too late for Riley. The hole, approximately 15 feet by 10 feet and 7 feet deep, presented a dangerous environment, especially for a child who could not swim.
The details surrounding the incident paint a picture of negligence. The hole was situated a significant distance from the trailer, roughly the length of a football field, making adequate supervision difficult, if not impossible, from Fite’s position inside the trailer. Authorities noted that the visual line of sight to the play area was obstructed, casting doubt on Fite’s claims of being able to monitor the children effectively.
Further investigations and interviews revealed troubling aspects of Fite’s behavior on the day of the tragedy. One of Riley’s siblings told police that Fite had left Riley outside naked as punishment for misbehaving earlier. This claim, coupled with reports from the sibling that Fite had been asleep when Riley drowned, highlighted severe lapses in care and supervision.
The boy’s father expressed his grief and frustration, stating he was unaware of the hole’s existence and that it had been dug without his knowledge or consent. He also told authorities during questioning that he suspected Fite “was not providing proper supervision of his son.” The father was not at the home when the incident took place and Fite was in charge of taking care of the kids.
Currently held without bond, Fite’s court appearance is scheduled for Thursday. The case has stirred considerable emotion in the community, with neighbors and friends mourning the loss of a young life and questioning the circumstances that led to such a preventable tragedy. Riley is remembered fondly in his obituary as a joyful and spirited child whose laughter and love for life were infectious. His untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of vigilant child supervision and safety in and around the home.
