Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that his office will seek the death penalty against Keisha Monique Epps, 51, and Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37, who are accused of confining four children in the cab of a tractor-trailer for nearly seven years and subjecting them to severe abuse.
The children—two girls and two boys, aged 5, 6, and 9—were allegedly held in the confined space, with some enduring more than six years of confinement. Epps and Stewart, identified as engaged, were arrested on August 6 and remain jailed awaiting trial on charges including sexual battery, molestation, and child neglect.
Core Allegations and Legal Context
Prosecutors allege that Stewart sexually abused the two girls over multiple years, while Epps was aware of the abuse but failed to intervene. One child was found to have an untreated sexually transmitted infection, according to court documents. When the two boys witnessed the abuse and confronted Stewart, he allegedly punched them in the head, authorities reported.
Florida law permits prosecutors to seek the death penalty for adults convicted of sexual battery against a child under 12. The children told investigators they had informed Epps about the abuse, but she reportedly called one child derogatory names and continued to leave them alone with Stewart.
Conditions of Confinement and Ongoing Investigation
The children were allegedly kept in the truck cab during long-haul trips between Miami and Atlanta, where Epps worked as a truck driver. Reports indicate the confinement extended beyond sexual abuse, with the children subjected to physical neglect and psychological harm. Investigators have not disclosed how the children were initially placed in the couple’s care.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the duration of the alleged abuse and the severity of the charges. Authorities have not provided further details on the children’s current status or any potential long-term support services.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
Epps and Stewart are scheduled to appear in court for preliminary hearings, where additional evidence and witness testimonies are expected to be presented. The prosecution’s decision to pursue the death penalty underscores the gravity of the allegations, though the outcome will depend on the evidence and legal arguments presented during trial.