Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling on state lawmakers to impeach a sitting judge following a high-profile case in which a defendant released before sentencing was later accused of killing a 5-year-old girl.
The push centers on Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper, who presided over a prior case involving Daniel Spencer, a registered sex offender. Spencer had been convicted of attempting to meet what he believed was a minor for sexual activity but was allowed to remain free on bond while awaiting sentencing.
Authorities allege that during that period, in May 2025, Spencer killed his stepdaughter, 5-year-old Missy Mogle, in Tallahassee. The case has drawn statewide attention and prompted legislative and political responses focused on judicial discretion and public safety.
Speaking at a press conference in Tampa, where he signed new legislation known as “Missy’s Law,” DeSantis argued that the Legislature should go further by holding judges accountable when their decisions precede violent crimes.
“You have the power, and you have sufficient numbers in your chamber to impeach this judge,” DeSantis said, addressing members of the Florida House. “Until you start holding these judges accountable, they are going to continue finding ways to benefit the criminal element.”
The governor described the judge’s decision as “an outrage,” adding that the case presented what he viewed as a clear justification for detaining the defendant immediately after conviction. “This was such an easy call to make sure that this guy was put behind bars,” he said.
According to investigators, Missy Mogle was found unresponsive at her home and later died at a hospital. Authorities allege she had suffered severe and prolonged abuse.
A grand jury in Leon County subsequently indicted Spencer and the child’s mother, Chloe Spencer, on charges including first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and child neglect.
Prosecutors had requested that Spencer be taken into custody immediately following his conviction in the earlier case. However, Judge Baker-Carper allowed him to remain free on bond pending sentencing, a decision that is now at the center of the impeachment push.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also criticized the outcome, stating that the child would likely still be alive had Spencer been detained. In a public statement, he said the case highlights broader concerns about judicial decisions that allow defendants convicted of serious offenses to remain at liberty.
The legislative response has already taken shape in the form of “Missy’s Law,” which was signed by DeSantis and is intended to tighten rules governing the release of defendants after conviction. The law reflects a growing focus among state officials on limiting judicial discretion in cases involving violent or sexual offenses.
Impeachment of a state judge in Florida is a rare and significant step. It would require action by the Florida House of Representatives, followed by a trial in the state Senate. Lawmakers have not yet indicated whether there is sufficient support to move forward with such proceedings.
The case has also raised broader legal and policy questions about the balance between judicial independence and accountability. Judges are typically granted discretion in determining conditions of release, including whether a defendant should remain in custody after conviction but before sentencing. Critics of impeachment efforts may argue that such decisions, even when controversial, fall within the scope of judicial authority.
At the same time, supporters of DeSantis’ position contend that cases involving violent outcomes demand closer scrutiny of judicial rulings, particularly when prior convictions or risk factors are present.
As the Legislature considers its next steps, the case is likely to remain a focal point in debates over criminal justice policy, judicial conduct, and public safety in Florida.