Mother Charged in Death of 5-Year-Old Found in Trash Bag

Jalynda Smith accused of killing her son Jakaiden, who had autism and was nonverbal

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Jalynda Smith, a 36-year-old Florida woman, has been charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child in the death of her 5-year-old son Jakaiden, who was found wrapped in towels inside a trash bag along a bay. Jakaiden, who had autism and was nonverbal, was severely underweight at the time of his death, leading authorities to suspect either abuse through starvation or medical neglect.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the challenges faced by families caring for children with special needs, as well as the importance of thorough welfare checks and support services to prevent such devastating outcomes. It also raises questions about the state's ability to protect vulnerable children from abuse or neglect.

The details

Jalynda Smith was arrested after her mother reported her and Jakaiden missing on February 5th. Jalynda's sister later received an email from her saying not to contact the police, but to download the Telegram app so she could explain everything. When the sister asked about Jakaiden, Jalynda allegedly said, "I came in the house and he was not breathing." Authorities found Jakaiden's body wrapped in towels inside a trash bag along the waterline, with his eyes sunken in, limbs emaciated, and weighing only 20 pounds - a third of his previous weight. Jalynda invoked her right to an attorney and refused to speak with deputies, and it appears her phone's data was erased shortly before her arrest.

  • Jalynda and Jakaiden were reported missing on February 5, 2026.
  • Jakaiden's body was found on February 6, 2026.

The players

Jalynda Smith

A 36-year-old Florida woman charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child in the death of her 5-year-old son Jakaiden, who had autism and was nonverbal.

Jakaiden Smith

Jalynda Smith's 5-year-old son with autism who was nonverbal, and whose severely underweight body was found wrapped in towels inside a trash bag.

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What they’re saying

“I came in the house and he was not breathing.”

— Jalynda Smith (Telegram)

What’s next

Jalynda Smith's arraignment is scheduled for March 6, 2026, and prosecutors have requested that she be held without bail.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case underscores the critical need for robust support systems and welfare checks to protect vulnerable children, especially those with special needs, from abuse or neglect. It also highlights the challenges faced by families caring for children with disabilities and the importance of ensuring they receive adequate resources and assistance.