TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A man accused of abusing and killing his 5-year-old stepdaughter nearly a year ago in Tallahassee is asking for a new judge to oversee his case, according to court records.
Daniel Spencer is facing several charges, including murder, in connection to the death of 5-year-old Missy Mogle. He and Missy’s mother, Chloe Spencer, are accused of killing the young girl by asphyxiation in May at a southeast Tallahassee home.
Daniel Spencer is facing several charges, including murder, in connection to the death of 5-year-old Missy Mogle. He and Missy’s mother, Chloe Spencer, are accused of killing the young girl by asphyxiation in May at a southeast Tallahassee home.(Leon County Jail)
At the time of Missy’s death, Daniel Spencer was out on bail as he awaited sentencing on a charge of traveling to meet a minor. The community was taken aback by the 5-year-old’s death but also by Circuit Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper’s decision to release him on bond after his conviction in the child sex crime sting.
Judge Baker-Carper is expected to preside over Daniel Spencer’s case regarding the death of Missy.
However, newly filed court documents obtained by WCTV Thursday afternoon now reveal that he filed a motion seeking to have Judge Baker-Carper disqualified.
The motion dated April 9 criticizes the circuit judge’s decision to release Daniel Spencer on bond while awaiting sentencing, calling it “a hot topic” in the local and national news.
More on crime in our area
It also points to recent calls by Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthemeier for Judge Baker-Carper to be impeached.
Furthermore, the motion filed Thursday said Daniel Spencer “fears he will not receive a fair trial from the current trial judge.”
The 5-year-old’s death in May shocked the local community and state officials, inspiring a new state law. In March, Governor DeSantis signed “Missy’s Law,” which mandates that judges revoke a person’s bond after they have been convicted of dangerous crimes, including sex offenses.
As of Thursday, no dates are set for a hearing on Daniel Spencer’s request.
To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor and X (Twitter).
Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.
Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.