DeSantis Calls for Impeachment of Judge in 5-Year-Old's Killing

Governor demands action after sex offender released by judge later killed child

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:49pm

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A fractured, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes in shades of blue, red, and black, depicting judicial symbols like a gavel and scales of justice, conveying a sense of breakdown and instability in the legal system.The governor's call for impeachment of the judge who released a sex offender highlights ongoing tensions over judicial accountability in the state.Tallahassee Today

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is calling for the impeachment of a Tallahassee judge who released a convicted sex offender, leading to the murder of the offender's 5-year-old stepdaughter a month later. DeSantis criticized the judge's decision to free the offender pending sentencing, saying "If we had this bill in place then, Missy would be alive today."

Why it matters

This case has sparked outrage over the judge's decision to release the convicted sex offender, leading to renewed calls for greater accountability of judges who make controversial rulings that endanger public safety. It also highlights ongoing tensions between the governor and the judiciary over what DeSantis views as 'activist judges' making decisions that benefit criminals.

The details

In May 2025, 35-year-old Daniel Spencer and the girl's mother, Chloe Spencer, were charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of Spencer's 5-year-old stepdaughter, Missy Mogle. A month earlier, Leon County Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper had released Spencer, a convicted sex offender, on bail pending sentencing for attempting to meet a 15-year-old girl. The judge said she released him because he had been out of jail for a year without violations and had no violent criminal history.

  • In May 2025, Daniel Spencer and Chloe Spencer were charged with second-degree murder in Missy Mogle's death.
  • A month earlier, in April 2025, Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper released Daniel Spencer on bail pending sentencing.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The governor of Florida who is calling for the impeachment of Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper.

Tiffany Baker-Carper

The Leon County judge who released Daniel Spencer, a convicted sex offender, on bail prior to his sentencing, leading to the murder of his 5-year-old stepdaughter a month later.

Daniel Spencer

A 35-year-old convicted sex offender who was released on bail by Judge Baker-Carper and later charged with the murder of his 5-year-old stepdaughter.

Chloe Spencer

The mother of the 5-year-old victim who was also charged with second-degree murder in the child's death.

Missy Mogle

The 5-year-old stepdaughter of Daniel Spencer who was murdered a month after he was released on bail by Judge Baker-Carper.

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What they’re saying

“'To my friends in the Florida House of Representatives, I don't think what you've done is enough. You have the power, and you have sufficient numbers in your chamber, to impeach this judge, Tiffany Baker-Carper.'”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida

“'Until you start holding these judges accountable, they are gonna continue to find ways to benefit the criminal element.'”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida

“'It's a miscarriage of justice, a dereliction of judicial duty. If we had this bill in place then, Missy would be alive today.'”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida

What’s next

The Florida House will need a two-thirds vote to impeach Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper, followed by a two-thirds vote in the Senate to remove her from the bench. With Republicans making up nearly 70% of lawmakers in each chamber, DeSantis is confident the legislature will take action.

The takeaway

This tragic case has reignited the debate over judicial accountability, with the governor arguing that judges who make controversial decisions that endanger public safety must be held responsible. The push for Judge Baker-Carper's impeachment reflects the ongoing tensions between the executive and judicial branches in Florida over the role of the courts.