Woman Charged With Murder Months After 3-Year-Old's Death: Hillsborough sheriff

BRANDON, FL — A 29-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with murder months after the death of a 3-year-old girl in her care, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation began April 25, when the child died after being brought to Brandon Regional Hospital with several inflicted injuries.

During the investigation, detectives learned the injuries happened while the girl was in the care of Grace Wingate, the sheriff's office said.

The Medical Examiner later ruled the child's death a homicide.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Wingate on July 16, and took her into custody on charges of child neglect with great bodily harm, aggravated child abuse, and murder in the first degree while engaged in aggravated child abuse, the agency said.

“This is a heartbreaking and disturbing case. A child lost her life at the hands of the person entrusted to protect her,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “We will not tolerate violence against anyone in our community, especially innocent children, and we will work relentlessly with the State Attorney's Office to ensure she faces the maximum consequences the law allows.”

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