A Florida mother is accused of chaining her 13-year-old daughter to a fence in intense heat, telling authorities she needed a break from parenting.
Yashira Marie Maldonado, 34, allegedly secured the girl around the waist with a metal chain outside her great-grandmother’s home in Hialeah on Saturday. Temperatures in the area reached a high of 91 degrees Fahrenheit with a "real feel" of 110 degrees.
Maldonado then reportedly went inside to watch television, leaving the teen without food, water, or shelter from the sun. According to police, Maldonado gave the girl a backpack containing diapers, wipes, and medication before placing her phone on silent.
The girl’s great-grandmother discovered the teen chained and attempted to free her but was unsuccessful. The child remained restrained for approximately one hour before being freed. She was uninjured.
Maldonado allegedly told detectives that while she knew her actions looked wrong, she was overwhelmed and "wanted a break." She was arrested and charged with child neglect and child abuse. Maldonado was later released from jail after posting a $10,000 bond.