FL Parents ‘didn’t realize’ they left toddler alone at park for 14 hours – told police they “forgot her”
(Meredith) – A Florida couple charged with leaving their daughter alone at a park for more than 14 hours said they forgot, according to authorities.
Jolanda Alexandre and Makenson Alexandre were arrested and charged with child neglect on Saturday, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Deputies found the little girl walking alone at Haverhill Park on Friday some time after 7 p.m. She was wearing a pink T-shirt, gold and white tutu and clear plastic shoes.
In an effort to find her parents, the sheriff’s office posted a photo of the toddler to Facebook with the caption: “Does anyone know who this little beautiful baby girl belongs to?”
“Numerous deputies canvassed the area, loud announcements were made, and a reverse 911 call was initiated. All met with negative results,” the post continued.
The girl’s parents contacted authorities the next morning around 11:40 a.m. to report her missing. They told deputies they did not realize they had left their child at the park, according to the sheriff’s office.
The child, believed to be around 2 years old, is now in the custody of the Department of Children and Families. Seven other children were also removed from the couple’s home.