A shocking case has emerged in Florida involving Tara Alexis Sykes, a 36-year-old woman arrested for allegedly guiding a 10-year-old girl through a series of horrific plans to harm a two-month-old baby via the Roblox gaming platform. The scenario unfolded when the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office learned that the infant had sustained serious injuries after reportedly being dropped on the kitchen floor by the older child. This incident was flagged to authorities on October 17 by Gulf Coast Kids House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young victims of abuse. At the time of the incident, it was unclear whether the children were currently at the center or living in a shared household, but it was confirmed that the 10-year-old was temporarily residing with the infant and several adults.
Upon further investigation by the police, it was revealed that Sykes had communicated with the girl through the chat function on Roblox, instructing her on various ways to kill the baby. Allegations indicated that Sykes suggested methods included drowning, scalding the child in burning water, and simply dropping the baby on the floor. The woman, in her alleged coaching, did not stop at the infant; she also provided the girl with instructions on how to harm the adults in the home. According to investigators, Sykes urged the child to slit the adults’ throats while they slept and to set their house on fire using aerosol spray to soak bed sheets before igniting them. Although the child attempted to follow through on the instructions by dousing the sheets, she could not bring herself to complete the acts outlined by Sykes.
During interviews with investigators, the frightened girl articulated that she was under significant duress from Sykes, stating she was “terrified” and felt that her safety hinged on complying with the instructions given to her. The police have yet to publicly announce any charges against the child, as the investigation remains ongoing, and the primary focus is on Sykes and her direct actions. Sheriff Chip W. Simmons expressed his astonishment and concern over the situation, highlighting that his four-decade career in law enforcement had never encountered a case with such disturbing elements. He noted the gravity of the situation and the psychological dysfunction displayed by Sykes in instructing violent acts towards both the infant and the adults.
The investigation into Sykes has unveiled a pattern of abusive behavior toward children, with previous legal issues surfacing earlier in the year. In a troubling incident from May, she and her husband, James Sykes, were arrested for neglecting their 14-year-old daughter, who had reportedly been sexually exploited by a 20-year-old man living in their home. Not only did this man allegedly impregnate the underage girl, but she also displayed signs of malnutrition, raising serious concerns about the environment in which she was living. Following their arrests, authorities stumbled upon a thumb drive containing messages between the man and the teenage girl that indicated a concerning dynamic of manipulation and exploitation.
Additionally, the older man’s grandmother confirmed to investigators that she had paid $10,000 to the Sykes family, following threats made by Tara against her grandson. These threats allegedly included violence to ensure that he would not face criminal repercussions for his actions. The 14-year-old victim further disclosed alarming details about her parents’ coercive behavior. She recounted that her mother had threatened to starve her if she did not comply with the plan to relinquish her child. This testimony and others led Sheriff Simmons to express a profound disgust and disbelief at the nature of the abuses being reported, emphasizing the extreme cruelty exhibited toward children involved.
As of now, Tara Sykes faces charges of attempted murder alongside aggravated child abuse, and the local community is grappling with the fallout from this distressing case. Sheriff Simmons has publicly labeled the entire situation as one of the most egregious he has encountered, underscoring the fundamental issues of child safety and the horrifying potential for abuse even within seemingly secure family structures. The law enforcement agency continues to investigate the full scope of the situation, with a particular focus on the psychological health of the children involved and their potential legal protections moving forward.
