LAND O’LAKES, Fla. (WFLA) — In a tragic turn of events, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has taken 40-year-old Justine Mroz into custody on charges of second-degree homicide following the death of her son on Sunday.

Earlier that day, authorities announced they were probing the circumstances surrounding the homicide of a young male.

According to law enforcement, it was Mroz, the child’s mother, who contacted authorities to report the death at approximately 9:50 a.m.

While specific details remain scarce, the sheriff’s office confirmed their response to the situation occurred on Drexel Road in Land O’Lakes.

In a statement provided to WFLA, officials from Pasco County Schools verified that Mroz is employed as a teacher within the district.

This incident has left the local community shaken, with neighbors expressing deep concerns about child safety in light of the allegations involving a mother and her son.

Jessica Meek, public information officer, District School Board of Pasco County

Neighbors told 8 On Your Side they are questioning child safety after hearing a mother is allegedly involved in the death investigation of her own son.

“[It’s] very disturbing,” said Shalonda Canady, of Land O’ Lakes. “It’s like wow … nowhere is safe in America these days.”

The mother of four said she moved to the area in 2020 with her family for a fresh start.

“That’s why I work hard to move in–I thought better area for them and from the looks of things, you just got to basically stay prayed up these days because they’re not even safe with their parents,” Canady said. “It’s like, ridiculous.”

Canady said she hopes justice is served for the child.

No information was released on the child’s age, cause of death or a potential motive.