Florida Mom Arrested After Her 5-Year-Old Son Was Found Dead in a Trash Bag in the Bay

A mom has been charged in connection with the death of her 5-year-old son after his body was found in a trash bag in Perdido Bay, Florida

The investigation began on Friday, February 6, after a woman, later identified as the suspect’s sister, called police at around 9:30 a.m., expressing concerns for her nephew’s safety. Details on what the sister told officers or the reason behind her fears have yet to be publicly released. At 10:14 a.m., the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a potential body in the bay. The body was later identified as the 5-year-old boy, who has not been named publicly.

Early that afternoon, Sheriff Chip Simmons released a video asking the public for its assistance in locating the deceased child’s mother, Jalynda Smith. Less than two hours later, Simmons confirmed the mother had been arrested and charged with “aggravated manslaughter (homicide).” It is currently unclear how or why Smith, 36, was identified as a suspect in the case.

Investigators later searched her home, but it is unclear if they found anything they believe is connected to the case.

As for the events that led up to the 5-year-old boy’s death, Simmons said they were still “waiting on word from the medical examiner’s office as to the exact cause.”

“I do want to thank everyone that shared information and [saw] the pictures we posted that certainly helped us make this quick capture,” he added.

This isn’t Smith’s first run-in with police. Back in 2022, she was charged with “child neglect without great bodily harm” after allegedly leaving her then-toddler alone for a few hours while she left the home. The 18-month-old baby was discovered in his crib crying with a dirty diaper on by a maintenance man who had stopped by to inspect Smith’s apartment that day.

The man told the office manager of the building what had occurred and then stayed with the child until officers arrived at the scene. When Smith returned, she told deputies that she’d only left her child so she could go to the store. However, her receipt was dated for 10:04 a.m. that morning, more than two hours before she came back to the residence.

Smith later pleaded “no contest” to the child neglect charge. Rather than go to trial, she was able to take a court-recommended parental skills course and follow a case plan made by the Department of Children and Families. The charge was eventually dropped in 2023, according to court records reported by the Pensacola News Journal.

The investigation into the young boy’s death is currently ongoing. As the investigation continues, Smith could still face additional charges as new information comes to light.

She is currently being held without bond.

The sheriff’s office has requested for anyone with information to call them at (850) 436-9620 or 911. Anonymous tipsters can also share information through CrimeStoppers at 850-433-STOP (7867).

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.