Attorney General James Uthmeier Proposes Missy’s Law after Brutal Murder of Tallahassee Five-Year-Old at the Hands of Stepdad Daniel Spencer

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Release Date
Jun 24, 2025
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Today, Attorney General James Uthmeier proposed Missy's Law, which will prevent judges from abusing their discretion to allow sexual offenders, sexual predators, and other violent criminals to stay out on bond pending sentencing after a guilty verdict. On May 19th, 2025, Daniel Spencer brutally murdered 5-year-old Missy Mogle after Spencer was already adjudicated guilty of traveling to meet a minor. Judge Tiffany Baker allowed Spencer to remain out on bond, contrary to the local state attorney's recommendation, which contributed to Missy's murder.

"Missy died because Judge Baker didn't put Spencer behind bars where he belonged," said Attorney General James Uthmeier. "Judge Baker's abuse of discretion should be sanctioned. 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."

In February of 2024, Daniel Spencer was arrested for traveling to meet a minor who he knew to be 15 years old. Spencer was also under an active investigation for sexually abusing his 5-year-old stepdaughter, Missy. In April 2025, a jury found Spencer guilty of traveling to meet a minor, which classifies him as a sexual offender under Florida law. 

After Judge Baker adjudicated Spencer's guilty verdict, she denied the local state attorney's request to revoke Spencer's bond. Judge Baker allowed him back into the community and the house where Missy lived. 

On May 19th, 2025, Daniel Spencer brutally murdered Missy while he was out on the bond granted by Judge Baker. The evidence recovered by law enforcement depicts some of the abuse against Missy:

  • Photos depicted Missy bound at the feet and ankles with a pillow over her face.
  • Another photograph depicted her swaddled tightly with a mask over her face and earmuffs on her ears.
  • Videos depict hours of Daniel physically abusing Missy by hitting her, violently pulling her arms, shoving her face into a bed, binding her feet and hands together, and covering her with pillows and comforters.
  • Throughout the video footage, Daniel is seen wiping sweat from his face. Daniel's shirt is also wet from sweating.

Missy's Law would prevent judges from using discretion in cases like Daniel Spencer's by requiring the immediate revocation of bail upon a jury's finding of guilt.

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