In a devastating case from Florida, a two-year-old girl was strangled to death in her crib by her mother’s severely underfed eight-foot Burmese python. The incident happened in 2009 when the snake, named “Gypsy,” escaped from its unsecured cage and fatally attacked little Shaiunna Hare while she slept.
Shaiunna’s mother, Jaren Hare, then 32, from Sumter County, had reportedly covered the snake’s cage with just a quilt and failed to feed it adequately. The six-inch-wide python slithered into the toddler’s crib, wrapped itself around her neck and attempted to swallow her. In a frantic 911 call, Jaren’s boyfriend, Charles “Jason” Darnell, could be heard saying, “She got out of the cage and got into the baby’s crib and strangled her to death. I’m going to kill the b****,” before stabbing the snake to death.
Both Hare and Darnell were convicted of aggravated manslaughter and child neglect. Each received a 12-year prison sentence. Darnell was released in January 2021, and Hare followed nine months later. The pair, who reportedly planned to marry after prison, will remain on parole until 2026.
During their trial, defence lawyers argued that the couple never believed their previously docile pet posed a danger. Prosecutors, however, stressed the couple’s negligence, pointing out that Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) had already observed the python in the home. Shaiunna’s father, Joseph Gilkerson, later filed a wrongful death suit against the DCF, which was settled confidentially.
Jurors rejected the defence’s claim that the girl’s death was a tragic accident. The jury foreperson told ABC affiliate WFTV, “Even under the most remote circumstances, it was possible that the child could be injured. It was their duty to make sure there was no possibility a two-year-old would be harmed. We feel extremely upset about having to make this decision, but we believe it was the correct one.”
Assistant State Attorney Pete Magrino showed the jury two contrasting photos of Shaiunna: one of a smiling, happy child, and another of her lifeless body bearing bite marks on her face. After the verdict, Darnell attempted to comfort a visibly distraught Hare.
When contacted by News 6, Hare declined to comment.
