TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida Legal professional Common James Uthmeier proposed a brand new regulation Tuesday that may forestall sexual offenders from being set free on bond whereas awaiting sentencing following a responsible verdict.
“Missy’s Legislation” is known as after a 5-year-old Tallahassee lady who investigators stated was “brutally murdered” by her stepfather, Daniel Spencer, shortly after he was discovered responsible of touring to fulfill a 15-year-old in a toddler intercourse sting operation.
On the time of his arrest in February 2024, Spencer was additionally beneath investigation for sexually abusing his stepdaughter, Missy. Nevertheless, nothing ever got here of that investigation.
A jury discovered Spencer responsible of touring to fulfill a minor in April 2025, however after the decision, Uthmeier stated the decide denied the native state legal professional’s request to revoke Spencer’s bond.
“Missy died as a result of Choose Baker did not put Spencer behind bars the place he belonged,” Uthmeier stated in a press release Tuesday.
The decide cited Spencer’s lack of a violent felony historical past as a part of the explanation why she determined to let him stay out on bond whereas a pre-sentence investigation was underway, in line with studies by the Tallahassee Democrat. It is unclear if the decide knew concerning the earlier allegations that Spencer abused his stepdaughter.
First responders discovered Missy unconscious at her house a few month later, on Might 19, and rushed her to the hospital. Investigators stated they discovered clear indicators of abuse that led to the 5-year-old’s dying.
Pictures obtained by detectives depicted Missy sure on the ft and ankles with a pillow over her face. One other {photograph} confirmed her swaddled tightly with a masks over her face and earmuffs on her ears, in line with the legal professional common’s workplace.
Investigators additionally stated they uncovered movies with hours of footage exhibiting Spencer hitting Missy, violently pulling her arms, shoving her face right into a mattress, binding her ft and arms collectively, and masking her face with pillows and comforters.
Spencer and Missy’s mom have since been charged with second-degree homicide. Nevertheless, the case stays ongoing.
In accordance with the Legal professional Common, Missy’s Legislation would forestall judges from utilizing discretion in instances like Spencer’s by requiring the instant revocation of bail after a jury finds a defendant responsible. This might additionally apply to different violent criminals, not simply sexual offenders.
“Choose Baker’s abuse of discretion ought to be sanctioned,” Uthmeier stated. “We can’t permit these acts of evil to occur once more, and I stay up for working with the Florida Legislature to move Missy’s Legislation subsequent session.”
