Suspect charged with Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child.

Victim:

De’Arron Deshazier (Deceased)
DOB: 2/10/2011
14502 Weeping Elm Drive
Tampa, FL

Arrested:

Tina Toney Lark
DOB: 11/01/1966
9503 Woodborough Court
Tampa, FL

Charge:
 

• Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child

Details:

On August 1, 2011, at approximately 7:05 p.m., deputies responded to 9503 Woodborough Court in Tampa in reference to an infant not breathing. The investigation revealed that the infant was being cared for by the defendant, Tina Lark, at her home day care center when the incident occurred. The victim was transported to Saint Joseph’s Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

On August 2, 2011, an autopsy was performed. The cause of death was pending toxicology results. On August 25, 2011, preliminary toxicology results indicated levels of Diphenhydramine within the victim. On August 30, 2011, the Medical Examiner’s Initial Case Summary report determined the cause of death to be “Intoxication by Diphenhydramine”. The Diphenhydramine was the only medication identified within the infant’s system which indicated that the medicine administered is likely one which contains only Diphenhydramine as the active ingredient. It was further determined by the Medical Examiner that the Diphenhydramine would have been administered within 6 hours prior to death.

On September 8, 2011, a court authorized search warrant for the defendant’s residence was executed. During the search of the residence, an eight pack of Sominex (25mg tablets active ingredient Diphenhydramine) was located. Tina Lark was arrested for Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child.