Florida Attorney General Ashley Uthmeier is demanding the state House impeach Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper after her decision to release a convicted sex offender resulted in the brutal murder of 5-year-old Melissa Mogle just weeks later. The case has sparked outrage and new legislation to prevent similar tragedies.

The Fatal Decision That Sparked Outrage

Judge Baker-Carper released Daniel Spencer in April 2025 despite his recent conviction for traveling to meet a minor for sex in an undercover sting operation. State prosecutors had recommended Spencer be held without bond pending sentencing, but the Tallahassee judge allowed him to remain free, citing his lack of violent criminal history and prior compliance while on bond. That decision proved fatal for his 5-year-old stepdaughter.

The Brutal Murder of Missy Mogle

On May 19, 2025, just weeks after his release, Spencer and his wife Chloe allegedly beat and murdered Melissa Mogle in their Tallahassee home. Court records and grand jury indictments reveal the child died from asphyxiation after being smothered and brutally beaten with her hands bound. Surveillance cameras in her bedroom captured hours of abuse, showing Spencer hitting her, violently pulling her arms, shoving her face into a bed, and covering her with pillows and comforters.

An autopsy determined the child was malnourished when she died. Responding officers noted suspicious bruising patterns across her body. Her blood was found on pillows and bedding. Security footage also showed Chloe Spencer standing over her daughter holding an object as if preparing to strike. Both parents face first-degree murder charges and could receive the death penalty if convicted.

New Law and Impeachment Push

The tragedy led directly to passage of Missy’s Law, which bars judges from releasing certain convicted sex offenders and violent criminals on bond between conviction and sentencing. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law on March 31 and publicly called for Baker-Carper’s impeachment. That same day, Attorney General Uthmeier sent a formal letter to House Speaker Daniel Perez urging immediate impeachment proceedings. The letter stated the judge’s actions brought disrepute upon the judiciary and directly contributed to the child’s death. It has now been 385 days since the fatal decision, and the Florida House has yet to act on impeachment.