Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of child abuse that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you suspect a child is being abused, find out how to report it in your state here. To connect with a counselor, you can call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4253.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier proposed a new law Tuesday that would prevent sexual offenders from being let out on bond while awaiting sentencing following a guilty verdict.
“Missy’s Law” is named after a 5-year-old Tallahassee girl who investigators said was “brutally murdered” by her stepfather, Daniel Spencer, shortly after he was found guilty of traveling to meet a 15-year-old in a child sex sting operation.
At the time of his arrest in February 2024, Spencer was also under investigation for sexually abusing his stepdaughter, Missy. However, nothing ever came of that investigation.
A jury found Spencer guilty of traveling to meet a minor in April 2025, but after the verdict, Uthmeier said the judge denied the local state attorney’s request to revoke Spencer’s bond.
“Missy died because Judge Baker didn’t put Spencer behind bars where he belonged,” Uthmeier said in a statement Tuesday.
The judge cited Spencer’s lack of a violent criminal history as part of the reason why she decided to let him remain out on bond while a pre-sentence investigation was underway, according to reports by the Tallahassee Democrat. It’s unclear if the judge knew about the previous allegations that Spencer abused his stepdaughter.
First responders found Missy unconscious at her home about a month later, on May 19, and rushed her to the hospital. Investigators said they found clear signs of abuse that led to the 5-year-old’s death.
Photos obtained by detectives depicted Missy bound at the feet and ankles with a pillow over her face. Another photograph showed her swaddled tightly with a mask over her face and earmuffs on her ears, according to the attorney general’s office.
Investigators also said they uncovered videos with hours of footage showing Spencer hitting Missy, violently pulling her arms, shoving her face into a bed, binding her feet and hands together, and covering her face with pillows and comforters.
Spencer and Missy’s mother have since been charged with second-degree murder. However, the case remains ongoing.
According to Uthmeier, Missy’s Law would prevent judges from using discretion in cases like Spencer’s by requiring the immediate revocation of bail after a jury finds a defendant guilty. This could also apply to other violent criminals, not just sexual offenders.
“Judge Baker’s abuse of discretion should be sanctioned,” Uthmeier said. “We cannot allow these acts of evil to happen again, and I look forward to working with the Florida Legislature to pass Missy’s Law next session.”
