Florida Prosecutors Pursue Death Penalty in Child Abuse Case

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced plans to seek the death penalty for two adults accused of holding children captive in a tractor-trailer and subjecting them to abuse. Keisha Monique Epps, 51, and Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37, face charges including sexual battery, molestation, and neglect, involving two boys and two girls aged 5 to 9.

According to court documents, Epps, a truck driver, and her fiancé Stewart lived in the cab with the children, traveling between Miami and Atlanta. The children reportedly endured confinement for over six years, with instances of sexual and physical abuse. Uthmeier stated, “These children were trapped in a rolling prison and abused by the adults who were supposed to protect them.” He emphasized the pursuit of severe penalties, including execution, for such crimes against children under 12.

Reports indicate Stewart sexually abused the girls, and when the boys confronted him about the abuse, he assaulted them. The children informed authorities that Epps was aware of the abuse and failed to intervene. Investigations revealed Stewart confessed to sexual acts, and one child had an untreated sexually transmitted infection.

Beyond sexual abuse, the children faced extreme neglect. They lacked access to hygiene facilities, spaces to exercise, and basic care. They reported using cups and paper bags for bathroom needs, while Epps and Stewart used facilities during stops.

The consequences of such treatment were severe. The children suffered from physical infirmities, lack of schooling, and a child walked with an abnormal gait due to the confinement. Two children had untreated burns, including a girl with a permanent scar from noodle burns.

Stewart’s charges include multiple counts of sexual battery, molestation, and neglect. Epps faces charges of sexual battery and neglect, among others. Both were arrested on August 6 and remain in custody. Legal representation for both did not comment on the case.