Florida Girl Accused of Poisoning Adoptive Family
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The Orange County Sheriff's Office is investigating an incident in which a 13-year-old girl is accused of poisoning members of her family, MyFoxOrlando.com reported.
Investigators said the girl confessed to putting roach and rodent poison, as well as dog feces, in food eaten by her adoptive mother. They also said she placed hand soap in her drinking water.
There is concern that the family's two biological children may also have been poisoned. It is believed that girl's actions began sometime in early 2009 and continued through April of 2010.
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The adoptive mother told investigators that recent toxicology tests have shown traces of arsenic in her blood, and for the past year, she has seen her health deteriorate. At this point, she has refused to press charges against the girl.
Neighbors said the family provided love and a home for the girl, whom they adopted from Mexico years back, and even sent her to a private school.
"I was shocked," said an acquaintance of the family, who told MyFoxOrlando.com that she had received an e-mail from the family asking neighbors to keep them in their prayers.
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The Florida Department of Children and Family Services reported that mental health services were provided months ago, when the family needed assistance.
Orange County detectives said these are acts of domestic violence and the investigation will continue before charges are sent to the State Attorney's Office.
In the meantime, the incident report states that the girl is staying at a health care facility, because she has been categorized as a threat to her family and society.
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If a charge is brought against the girl, it likely would be for felony poisoning. Because she is adopted, she can not be deported.