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Mother of 1-year-old boy found unresponsive on the beach after she buried him in the sand up to his wrists, letting him nearly drown as waves were crashing over his head, was sentenced

Florida – In a shocking case in Florida that has attracted widespread attention, a 38-year-old Michigan mother, identified as S. Mitchell, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in connection with an incident in November 2023 in which she abandoned her 1-year-old son on a beach in Florida. The mother was convicted of aggravated child abuse and unlawful desertion of a child in November 2024.

The incident unfolded on the night of November 8, 2023, when Mitchell was captured by surveillance cameras walking down a beach access staircase with her toddler. Remarkably, only five minutes later, she returned without the child, sparking immediate concern and a subsequent police investigation. This sequence of events was detailed during Mitchell’s trial, where prosecutors relied heavily on the video evidence to establish her actions.

The situation came to light when Mitchell’s teenage son contacted the authorities, expressing fears over his mother’s erratic behavior and the mysterious disappearance of his baby brother. According to dispatch records reported by local media, the teen was driven by desperation as he explained to the dispatcher, “She sent my little brother somewhere… She said with his dad,” but he doubted her claims as the baby’s father lives in Michigan, adding, “I keep telling her to show me proof, proof, but she’s not showing me proof. … So, like, I really think my mom is possessed by demons.”

The abandoned toddler was fortunately found by a passerby who noticed him in a perilous situation on the beach. The police report detailed that the child was found “in the water on his hands and knees, hands buried in the sand up to his wrists and waves crashing over his head.” First responders reported that the boy was unresponsive with shallow breathing and an elevated pulse upon discovery. He was immediately rushed to the children’s hospital, where he thankfully made a full recovery after the harrowing ordeal.

During the trial, Judge K. Foxman highlighted the aggravating circumstances of the case, noting Mitchell had been under the influence of marijuana, alcohol, and possibly meth at the time she abandoned her child. This negligent behavior under substances significantly contributed to her harsh sentencing. Mitchell’s public defender pointed to her troubled childhood and a possible psychotic episode as factors in her actions, but these were not sufficient to mitigate the severity of the charges. Judge Foxman’s decision reflected a stern stance on child endangerment, especially under the influence of substances.

Following the incident, Mitchell’s five children, ranging in age from 1 to 17, were placed into the foster care system by Florida’s Department of Children and Families. This prompted the children’s grandmother to intervene. She expressed her struggles and determination to local media, stating, “I’ve called everybody and I need some help. My grandsons want to come home.” Her efforts eventually saw the children returned to her custody by December 19, 2023, providing a poignant yet relieving end to a distressing chapter for the family. The grandmother recounted the emotional moment when the children were returned to her, “I am so happy, I just don’t know what to do,” she said. “I’m just happy they’re home.” This reunion marked a significant relief for the family, emphasizing the resilience and unity needed to overcome such profound adversity.

This case has not only highlighted the severe consequences of child abandonment but also underscored the critical importance of mental health and substance abuse treatment. As Mitchell begins her lengthy prison sentence, her family works to heal from the events that led to such a tragic outcome. Meanwhile, the community and authorities continue to advocate for vigilance and preventive measures to protect vulnerable children from similar fates.

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