In a tragic incident, a two-year-old girl in Florida met a horrifying fate when her mother’s malnourished 8-foot Burmese Python strangled her in her crib.
The snake named “Gypsy” took the life of Shaiunna Hare in 2009 when her mother, Jaren Hare, failed to adequately feed it and secured its cage with only a quilt. While Shaiunna was sleeping, the snake slithered into her bed, coiled around her neck, and attempted to consume her.
In a frantic 911 call, Darnell, Hare’s boyfriend, expressed his shock as he found the snake strangling the baby. He later killed the snake in an attempt to save Shaiunna. Hare was convicted of aggravated manslaughter and child neglect, serving 12 years in prison until her release in 2021.
Despite their imprisonment, Hare and Darnell maintained their relationship and planned to marry upon release, remaining on parole until 2026. Darnell, who also received a 12-year sentence for the same charges, was released nine months before Hare in January 2021.
When contacted for comment, Hare declined to speak about the incident. During the trial, their defense argued that they never expected their pet snake to harm anyone.
Shaiunna’s father sued the Florida Department of Children and Families for wrongful death, alleging negligence after an investigator saw the python at the home. A settlement was reached between Joseph and the department.
The jury rejected the defense’s claim of a tragic accident, emphasizing the couple’s responsibility to ensure the child’s safety. Darnell tried to comfort Hare after the verdict, with the prosecutor highlighting the couple’s accountability for the child’s death, not the snake.
Following the trial, the jury was presented with photos of Shaianna, emphasizing the couple’s responsibility for the tragedy.
