Florida AG To Seek Death Penalty In Alleged Truck Cab Child Abuse Case
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on September 1, 2026 that he will seek the death penalty against Keisha Monique Epps and Tamra Marshon Stewart in a child-abuse case.[1]
Prosecutors say the four victims were ages 5, 5, 6 and 9.[1] They say the children were confined to the cab of a tractor-trailer for more than six years while the vehicle ran a route between Miami and Atlanta.[1] Charges include sexual battery, molestation and neglect, and Florida law allows capital punishment for sexual battery against a child younger than 12.[1]
Investigators report the children were denied school, medical and dental care and forced to use cups and bags as toilets, and some suffered untreated burns and an untreated sexually transmitted infection.[1] A detective said the children walked with an unnatural gait, and authorities say Stewart allegedly admitted to three sexual batteries against one girl.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On September 1, 2026, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced he will seek the death penalty against Keisha Monique Epps and Tamra Marshon Stewart.
- Prosecutors say four children aged 5, 5, 6 and 9 were confined to a tractor-trailer cab for more than six years on a route between Miami and Atlanta.
- Charges include sexual battery, molestation and neglect; Florida law allows capital punishment for sexual battery against a child younger than 12.
- Investigators report the children were denied school, medical and dental care, forced to use cups and bags as toilets, and some suffered untreated burns and an untreated sexually transmitted infection.
- A detective reported the children walked with an unnatural gait from confinement, and Stewart allegedly admitted to three sexual batteries against one girl.
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