Couple charged with death of little girl

Charles J. Darnell and Jaren Ashley Hare (the mother of the little girl, Shaiunna) were arrested on August 24th. They were both charged with murder in the third degree, manslaughter, and child abuse. The State Attorney’s office has determined that Shaiunna’s death did not have to happen, and had the Burmese python been maintained according to Florida law, Shaiunna would be alive today. Information released by the State Attorney shows that friends and family members of Shaiunna’s mother, Jaren Hare and her boyfriend, Charles Darnell, had repeatedly offered to provide a locked cage for the snake, the couple repeatedly refused offers for help. A statement released by Assistant State Attorney Peter Magrino reads, “It's just a tragic set of circumstances that due to the reckless conduct on behalf of adults, a small child lost her life.” Information released shows previous reporting that Charles Darnell owned the snake was incorrect. The snake belonged to Jaren Hare, Shaiunna’s mother, making it clear why she was also charged in the death of Shaiunna.

Information released from the Department of Children and Families showed that prior to Shaiunna’s death in July, DCF had answered complaints that Hare and Darnell were using and selling drugs in the home, and were abusing the children. The allegations were that the couple was using and selling ecstasy, marijuana, meth amphetamine, and cocaine.

Darnell's baby that Hare was carrying (she had a girl), is in Foster care while Hare is being incarcerated.

Charles Darnell is being held without bail; Jaren Hare is held on $35,000 bond.

I'm glad to see that hopefully there will be some justice done for their neglect, but we'll see what happens when/if it goes to trial.

Here are some links to news stories about this arrest and the DCF investigation:
http://www.ocala.com/...

http://www.wesh.com/news/20585814/detail.html

http://www.examiner.com/x-7403-Tampa-Crime-Examiner~y2009m8d25-Florida-couple-charged-with-murder-and-child-abuse-after-Burmese-python-strangles-and-kills-toddler