Stepdad and Mom Charged in Tragic Death of 5-Year-Old Tallahassee Girl

Tallahassee, USA - In a tragic turn of events, the Florida community in Tallahassee is coming to grips with the heartbreaking case surrounding the death of 5-year-old Missy Mogle. Daniel Spencer, 35, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the young girl’s death, and he appeared in court on June 6, 2025. Alongside him is Chloe Spencer, 23, Missy’s mother, who is also facing the same charges. Both have been held without bail, adding a layer of intensity to an already harrowing story.

Missy was found unresponsive in her home in southeast Tallahassee before being pronounced dead at a local hospital. Investigators believe that the couple’s alleged physical and mental abuse contributed to her tragic asphyxiation death. This appalling situation has not only led to murder charges but also to additional accusations, including child neglect with great bodily harm, aggravated battery on a child, and failure to report child abuse, revealing a grim narrative that traces back to a cloud of violence and neglect.

Communal Mourning and Vigil

A week before the court proceedings, the Tallahassee community came together to remember Missy with a vigil, a poignant expression of grief that underscores how deeply this tragedy affects everyone. The love and the collective mourning were palpable, as friends and neighbors reflected on a life that was tragically cut short.

Disturbingly, court documents have surfaced indicating that security camera footage allegedly shows Daniel Spencer physically abusing Missy. In a chilling revelation, Chloe was reportedly seen standing over her daughter while holding what appeared to be an object, as if preparing to inflict harm. Such details intensify the shock surrounding this case and leave many questioning how such brutality could occur within a family.

A Troubling Past

What adds another layer of concern is Daniel Spencer’s extensive criminal history, which includes multiple child sex crime charges from a sting operation that occurred last year. Despite being convicted in April, he was out on bail when Missy died, raising eyebrows among investigators and the State Attorney who are now scrutinizing why he was allowed to remain free. Previous investigations into allegations of Daniel sexually abusing Missy did not lead to arrests due to a lack of sufficient probable cause, leaving many frustrated with the system that failed to protect the young girl.

The haunting reality of this case is not an isolated incident. According to data released by the National Children’s Alliance, Child Advocacy Centers investigated 236,601 cases involving allegations of sexual abuse in 2023 alone. This staggering statistic underscores a troubling trend where child abuse may be far more pervasive than what is reported. The data suggests that children in care settings, like Missy, deserve additional vigilance from both institutions and community members to prevent abuse before it occurs.

Perpetrators often find ways to access children through roles in camps, youth sports, and other environments, making it crucial for parents and guardians to remain watchful and engaged. The heartbreaking case of Missy Mogle is a visceral reminder of the need for comprehensive protections for all children, as too many go unheard in silence.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the community waits with bated breath, hoping for justice for Missy and a commitment to safeguarding children in Florida and beyond. It’s clear that there’s much work to be done, reflecting on the lives lost and those forever altered by abuse.