TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Tampa woman accused of killing a 3-year-old girl was arrested last week, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.
The victim died on April 25, 2026, after being brought to a Brandon hospital with “several inflicted injuries.” Her death was later ruled a homicide.
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Throughout the course of the investigation, detectives learned the girl was in the care of 29-year-old Grace Wingate.
State Attorney for Hillsborough County, Suzy Lopez, said Wingate was dating the mother of the child and beat the victim to death while the toddler was at her apartment.
A warrant for her arrest was issued last Thursday, July 16, and she was taken into custody. Wingate was denied bond at her first appearance hearing and remains in the Falkenburg Road Jail.
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“This is a heartbreaking and disturbing case. A child lost her life at the hands of the person entrusted to protect her,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “We will not tolerate violence against anyone in our community, especially innocent children, and we will work relentlessly with the State Attorney’s Office to ensure she faces the maximum consequences the law allows.”
Wingate was charged with child neglect with great bodily harm, aggravated child abuse, and first-degree murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse.
She has an arraignment scheduled for next Monday, July 27, at 8:30 a.m.
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