17.07.2026 18:30
The discovery of a 13-year-old girl chained to a fence for hours under extreme heat in Florida has sparked outrage in the country. Police have initiated proceedings against the 34-year-old mother, who allegedly left her daughter in this state and returned home, on charges of child abuse and neglect. During police questioning, the mother admitted knowing that what she did was wrong, saying, "I needed some time away."
A 34-year-old mother in the US state of Florida was arrested for allegedly chaining her 13-year-old daughter to a fence without food, water, or shade in scorching heat. The incident came to light when police found the child chained up.
SHE CHAINED HER DAUGHTER TO A FENCE AND LEFT
The incident in Hialeah, Florida, sparked public outrage. Police stated that 34-year-old Yashira Marie Maldonado chained her 13-year-old daughter to a fence in front of her great-grandmother's house with a metal chain and then left the area.
According to the investigation file, Maldonado took her daughter home, then wrapped a metal chain around the child's waist, locked the other end to the garden fence, and prevented her from moving.
WAITED FOR HOURS WITHOUT FOOD, WATER, AND SHADE
The police report noted that when the 13-year-old was left chained, she had no food or water with her, nor any shaded area to protect herself from the sun. It was stated that the child only had a backpack containing clothes and medications.
According to meteorological data, the temperature in Hialeah exceeded 34 degrees Celsius on the day of the incident.
NEIGHBOR'S SECURITY CAMERA REVEALED THE INCIDENT
As part of the investigation, footage from nearby security cameras reportedly confirmed that Maldonado arrived home in the morning on the day of the incident and left shortly after chaining her daughter.
When police arrived at the scene following a tip-off, they found the 13-year-old still chained to the fence.
FATHER CALLED THE POLICE
According to authorities, the child's great-grandmother tried to untie the chain but was unsuccessful. Hesitant to disturb the homeowner, she informed Maldonado's mother instead of directly calling emergency services.
Upon learning of the situation, the child's father called the police, leading to officers being dispatched to the scene.
Hialeah Police Lieutenant Eddie Rodriguez stated, "When officers arrived at the scene, they found the 13-year-old child chained to the fence. Leaving her in an unshaded area directly under the sun is extremely saddening."
"I NEEDED TO GET AWAY FOR A WHILE"
According to court documents, Maldonado, who was taken into custody, told police she knew what she did was wrong. It was reported that in her statement, she expressed needing a break from caring for her child.
Authorities determined that Maldonado returned home and watched television after the incident.
TWO SEPARATE CHARGES AGAINST THE MOTHER
The 34-year-old woman faces charges of child abuse and child neglect. Maldonado was released on bail, and the court ordered her to have no contact with her daughter.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.