A Florida mother is facing a murder charge after authorities say she fatally stabbed her 6-year-old daughter inside their Milton home in what investigators are calling a “deeply tragic case.”
According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, 40-year-old April Oliva was taken into custody following the violent death of her daughter, Valerie Oliva, late Tuesday night. The child was found dead at the residence on the 5000 block of Nowling Drive.
Deputies were dispatched to the home shortly after midnight Wednesday. When they arrived, they discovered Oliva lying on top of her daughter’s body. Valerie had suffered more than 20 stab wounds across her body, including multiple injuries to her neck, investigators said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Earlier in the evening, around 11:00 p.m., Oliva allegedly made what authorities described as a “disturbing” and incoherent phone call to her sister. During that conversation, she reportedly spoke about “evil spirits” and made statements suggesting that something terrible had occurred.
Concerned by the call, Oliva’s sister contacted their father, Steven Tuttle, who immediately went to the home. According to the arrest report, he found the front door unlocked and both mother and child lying on the floor, covered in blood. The report states that Oliva repeatedly told him, “She’s dead.”
Investigators later recovered a kitchen knife from the dining room, which they believe was used in the attack.
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Chief Deputy Randy Tifft confirmed that Oliva also sustained injuries during the incident. “She had self-inflicted wounds on herself, and the six-year-old was determined to be deceased as a result of multiple knife stab wounds,” Tift said. Authorities identified injuries to Oliva’s stomach and neck as self-inflicted.
At the time of the stabbing, the child’s father was reportedly out of town on business. No other individuals were present inside the home.
Oliva was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials said she will be booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail once she is medically cleared.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, with detectives continuing to gather evidence and conduct interviews. Authorities have not released any information regarding a possible motive.
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