BUSHNELL, Fla.,None — A Sumter County couple has been found guilty on all charges in connection to the death of a toddler who was strangled in her crib by a pet python.
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A jury found the 21-year-old mother, Jaren Hare, and her live-in boyfriend, 34-year-old Charles "Jason" Darnell, guilty Thursday of manslaughter, third-degree murder and child neglect. They each face 35 years in prison. Both previously rejected plea agreements for 10 years in prison.
For Darnell, who has six prior felonies, it could mean up to 45 years and a loss of any gain time.
The couple took a last moment to embrace before being taken into custody.
Authorities said an 8-foot-6-inch albino Burmese python named Gypsy wrapped itself around 2-year-old Shianna Hare's head on July 1, 2009.
"The death of Shaianna Hare was totally preventable," said prosecutor Pete Magrino.
Testimony revealed the snake had not been fed for a month before the attack.
Defense attorneys argued that the death was an accident, and there was no way to know that the tame pet would kill a child.
Outside the Sumter County courthouse, Shaianna Hare's biological father, Joseph Gilkerson, called the verdict "justice."
"You lose anybody it's hard whether it be a parent or child," Gilkerson said.
The defense never called a single witness to the stand.
Under the condition of anonymity, one juror told WFTV she doubts it would have made a difference.
"As the adult caregivers, their responsibility was to preclude there was any chance no matter," she said.
The couple's sentencing is set for August 24.
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