Florida Woman Kills 5-Year-Old, Roommate Helps Hide Body — Deputies Reveal Disturbing Plot

Lakeland, FL (33805), (June 28, 2025) — A Polk County man has confessed to helping his roommate hide the body of a 5-year-old boy after the child was allegedly killed inside their Lakeland apartment, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say the woman, who has not yet been publicly named, is accused of beating the boy to death. Her roommate later admitted to assisting her in placing the child’s body in a plastic storage bin and attempting to conceal it near their apartment complex on Griffin Road, just east of Providence Reserve Apartments.

Authorities discovered the body after receiving a tip about a missing child. When they arrived at the apartment, they noticed inconsistencies in the roommates’ statements. After further questioning, the male suspect reportedly admitted to helping dispose of the body.

“He knew what happened and helped cover it up,” said Sheriff Grady Judd during a Friday morning press conference. “This is absolutely heartbreaking and completely preventable. A child’s life was lost, and instead of doing the right thing, he helped hide it.”

The child’s death marks the second abuse-related fatality involving a young child in Polk County this year.

Residents in the area were shocked by the news.
“I’m horrified. This happened right in our neighborhood,” said Tina M., a mother of two who lives nearby. “He was just a little boy. He deserved safety and love.”

A photo from the crime scene shows a large plastic bin near a dumpster, roped off with sheriff’s tape. Investigators were seen collecting evidence late into the evening.

The woman has been charged with murder and child abuse. The male roommate is now facing multiple charges, including being an accessory after the fact and evidence tampering.

Authorities are urging anyone who suspects child abuse to report it immediately.

If you or someone you know suspects child abuse, call the Florida Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873. Local grief support is also available through Lakeland CARE at 863-646-HELP.