Winter Haven, FL – A Winter Haven couple has been indicted by a Polk County grand jury on multiple charges stemming from a harrowing and tragic incident that claimed the life of a 6-year-old boy. The charges include First Degree Murder, Aggravated Child Abuse by Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child, Tampering in Felony Life Capital Proceeding, Child Abuse, and Causing a Minor to become Delinquent/Dependent/Needy.
The indictment follows a painstaking investigation into the events of April 22, 2023, when the young victim, under the care of Tre (27) and Alize (25) Seymore, lost his life under distressing circumstances.
According to affidavits and details released by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Seymores, who are married and guardians to multiple children, subjected the 6-year-old boy to a horrifying pattern of abuse. Tragically, this relentless mistreatment culminated in the child’s drowning in a bathtub.
Sheriff Grady Judd expressed the immense dedication and resolve of his detectives in bringing these grave charges. “My detectives are simply the very best in the business. We knew early on during this investigation that there was no rational explanation for this young child’s death, and that it was caused by his mother and stepfather,” Sheriff Judd stated. He added, “Our hearts break for this young boy’s father. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.”
On April 22, 2023, when deputies arrived at the scene on Sun Burst Road in Winter Haven, the Seymores initially reported that the victim had been sent to take a bath as a form of punishment for soiling himself. However, suspicion arose when Tre Seymore failed to check on the child for a substantial period, discovering the bathroom door locked upon his return. After breaking into the bathroom, he found the young boy lifeless, face down in the water, and immediately called 911.
Despite immediate medical attention, the victim could not be revived and was declared deceased on April 24, 2023, at the hospital.
Further investigations within the Seymore residence revealed horrifying conditions. Notably, the bathroom where the child was drowned lacked electricity and windows, ensuring utter darkness. The children’s bedrooms also had no electricity and doors that locked from the outside. Detectives discovered evidence of the victim being locked inside a dog cage as a form of punishment. Medications prescribed for the victim were found, indicating they were not administered as required.
Additional accounts from medical records revealed scars from prior physical abuse, and on the fateful day, the child presented multiple open wounds.
Interviews with other children in the home uncovered a disturbing pattern of coercion and rewards for engaging in the abuse of the victim. Some disclosed that “swimming” meant “drowning,” which was the sinister consequence of being held underwater as punishment.
The investigation delved deeper with the discovery of text messages on the Seymores’ cell phones. These messages detailed the disturbing abuse of the victim and included photos and videos corroborating the allegations.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office had previously obtained felony warrants for the couple in May 2023, encompassing charges of aggravated child abuse, child abuse, tampering with a witness, and causing a child to become dependent. The Seymores were taken into custody in Alachua County and subsequently transferred to the Polk County Jail, where they awaited their recent indictments.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is resolute in its pursuit of justice for the young victim and ensuring the responsible parties face the full extent of the law.
