A former Florida child services worker has been charged with murder after her 13-year-old adoptive daughter was found dead in their home.
Diane Natasha Mack, 34, was arrested for the killing and severe abuse of the girl, who police say showed signs of neglect and trauma.
The girl was found unresponsive on the floor of the family’s Sebring home on the morning of Friday, November 15.
Deputies said the teen was naked, except for a diaper, and appeared malnourished and severely injured. Her body had wounds at various stages of healing, some of which seemed fresh.
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Sheriff Paul Blackman said that Mack gave conflicting stories to investigators. Initially, Mack claimed she found the girl on Thursday morning, but later changed her story, saying it was Thursday afternoon when she found the teen.
After the discovery, Mack reportedly drove four other children to Titusville, about two and a half hours away, before returning home to call 911.
Investigators also said that the teen had been locked in the garage for an unknown amount of time. The victim had been homeschooled and confined to the garage, police say.
In addition, authorities believe Mack used pool chlorine to try to destroy evidence before calling for help.
What makes this case even more disturbing is Mack’s past job. She worked as a guardian ad-litem for the Department of Children and Families (DCF), a position where she advocated for the welfare of children in the system.
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Sheriff Blackman expressed shock, saying it was “beyond belief” that someone whose job was to protect children would harm their own.
Mack is facing several serious charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and evidence destruction.
She is being held without bond at the Highlands County Jail. It is not yet clear if she has entered a plea or hired a lawyer.