Florida – In a disturbing case in Florida, a 35-year-old man, identified as Daniel S., and his 23-year-old wife, identified as Chloe S., are now facing second-degree murder charges in connection with the death of Chloe’s 5-year-old daughter, identified as Melissa. The charges were filed after harrowing security footage allegedly revealed the stepfather violently abusing the child in the hours leading up to her death. Both Daniel and Chloe were initially arrested for child abuse, but prosecutors have since upgraded the charges to murder following revelations uncovered through an ongoing investigation. They are also facing additional charges of aggravated battery on a child, child neglect with great bodily harm, and failure to report child abuse. Both have entered not guilty pleas and remain in custody without bail, with court records showing Daniel is due back in court on June 6, while Chloe has a hearing set for Friday.
The police department responded to an emergency call at the couple’s home just before 7:45 p.m. on May 10, where they found Melissa’s grandfather performing CPR on the unresponsive child. She was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly after. Daniel and Chloe initially told investigators that Melissa had a history of “behavioral issues” and would sometimes hold her breath during tantrums, alleging that she had done so that morning after an argument with her stepfather. Daniel claimed he had left Melissa standing in her room and closed the door behind him. Moments later, he said he returned to find her not breathing.
However, this explanation quickly fell apart when detectives discovered security cameras inside the home, particularly inside Melissa’s bedroom. The footage allegedly showed Daniel shoving the child’s face into the bed, violently pulling her arms, and tying her hands and feet together before covering her with pillows and blankets. Her blood was later found on the pillows and comforter. Photos also revealed Chloe standing over her daughter, who was curled into a fetal position on the bed. Chloe was holding an object in her hand as if preparing to strike the girl. When questioned, she admitted to hitting Melissa with a shoe. An autopsy later confirmed the child was malnourished and had suffered asphyxiation, further contradicting the parents’ version of events.
Adding to the outrage surrounding the case is Daniel’s criminal history. Just weeks before Melissa’s death, he was convicted for traveling to meet a minor after engaging in inappropriate conversations with an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old. Despite this conviction, a judge released him pending sentencing, a decision that is now under heavy scrutiny. Daniel had also been previously investigated by the police department and the Florida Department of Children and Families following allegations of se-ually abusing Melissa. However, no arrest was made due to insufficient probable cause at the time.
State Attorney J. Campbell expressed frustration over the justice system’s inability to protect Melissa. “If he had been in jail today, he would not have had access to these children,” Campbell said in response to the court’s earlier decision. One of Melissa’s godmothers, criticized the authorities for allowing Daniel continued access to the child. “These agencies failed a 5-year-old child and let her get murdered by the people that were supposed to protect her,” she said.
The brutal death of Melissa has left a lasting impact on the community and prompted urgent calls for reforms in how child abuse allegations are handled—especially when previous criminal behavior is involved. Family members, neighbors, and advocates continue to mourn the life of a young girl whose future was cut short by those entrusted with her care. As the case moves forward, both defendants remain in jail and are expected to face lengthy prison sentences if convicted. The shocking footage, troubling criminal background, and alleged lies told to law enforcement may ultimately prove decisive in court.
