Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in March 2019
Makenson and Jolanda Alexandre reported their two-year-old daughter missing to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office at 11:40 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2019.
At that time, the toddler had been missing for a total of 14 hours. It was discovered that the child had been left at the Haverhill Park in West Palm Beach at 7 p.m. the evening prior.
Initial searches for the girl’s parents proved difficult as authorities canvassed the park (pictured), made loud announcements and tried to do a reverse 911 call
According to the Mirror, the toddler was found roaming around the park in a gold tutu all by herself by the police hours after her parents had already left.
Makenson, 34 years old, and Jolanda, 27 years old, had apparently left the park and returned home without realizing they had left their daughter behind.
Photo: PBSO – Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
In order to locate the child’s family, authorities circulated a photograph of her throughout the community and on social media. She was kept in a safe location overnight.
The following day, her parents explained to the police that they hadn’t realized that they left the park without their daughter, nor did they realize that she was not at home with them.
Her mother was sobbing and shaking when she said that she could not believe her mistake.
Both Makenson and Jolanda were arrested and charged with one count of neglect each but were released shortly after on $3,000 bail.
The couple’s seven other children were removed from the home by the Department of Children and Families and are being safely accommodated.
What do you think of this incident? Do you think it was an act of gross neglect or an innocent accident any tired parent would be capable of? Let us know in the comments – and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family.
