Authorities in Sebring, Florida, responded to a deeply unsettling crime scene on Friday, an incident that left even seasoned law enforcement officials at a loss for words.
Diane Natasha Mack, a 34-year-old who previously worked for the Florida Department of Children and Families as a guardian ad litem, contacted authorities to report the tragic passing of her 13-year-old adopted daughter. She discovered her daughter “lying unresponsive” on the floor of their home in the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring golf and recreation community early Friday at 12:19 a.m., according to the Highland County Sheriff’s Office.
The findings revealed by Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman are sure to leave a lasting impression on those involved.
Authorities reportedly discovered Mack’s daughter deceased in her residence, clad only in a diaper and exhibiting evident signs of mistreatment and neglect, according to Blackman. Mack first informed investigators that she discovered the girl on Thursday morning, but later revised her account to indicate the discovery occurred around 3 p.m., as reported by the sheriff.
“She was extremely emaciated and obviously malnourished,” Blackman said of Mack’s daughter. “Her body was covered in wounds in all stages of healing, including open lacerations that were clearly recently suffered.”
Following a deeper inquiry, authorities uncovered signs suggesting that the girl, who received her education at home, had been confined in the garage prior to her passing, as reported by the sheriff’s office.
“We don’t yet know how long she had been there, but it appears she was secured to the garage door and monitored from inside the home by a security camera that was mounted inside the garage,” Blackman said.
In a shocking turn of events, police report that Mack attempted to eliminate evidence in the garage using pool chlorine, all while her child was “lying dead on the floor,” as stated by Blackman, before she made the call to 911. It is reported that she drove at least four other children residing with her to a location in Titusville prior to contacting law enforcement.
Mack faces serious legal consequences after being arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with aggravated child abuse, along with additional charges of aggravated child abuse, kidnapping, and evidence tampering.
Mack remains in custody at the Highlands County Jail with no option for bail.