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Florida Mother Accused of Forcing Daughters to Drink Bleach, Killing One
Body camera footage reveals the harrowing moment deputies escorted Joanne Zephir from a hospital after she allegedly forced her two young daughters to drink bleach, resulting in the death of her 3-year-old. According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Zephir had previously stabbed her husband, picked up her daughters from a relative’s home, and carried out the horrific act in a parking lot.
Authorities say the younger daughter, just 3 years old, was then strangled by her mother. Zephir attempted to take her own life by drinking bleach and was hospitalized before being taken into custody.
The Timeline of Events
The tragedy unfolded on May 8, 2022, when Zephir reportedly called her sister-in-law and confessed her actions. During the call, the sister-in-law asked to speak with the surviving child, an 8-year-old. Zephir handed the phone to the girl, and the sister-in-law instructed her to run for safety.
When deputies arrived, they found Zephir in the driver’s seat of her car, lethargic and drooling. Her 3-year-old daughter was unresponsive in the back seat, and the vehicle smelled strongly of bleach. The 8-year-old, who had escaped, later told investigators about the ordeal.
“Special Milk” Turned Deadly
According to authorities, Zephir told her daughters that the bleach was a “special milk” that would cleanse their stomachs. The 8-year-old recalled her mother forcing the 3-year-old to drink it first, despite the toddler crying and saying it was “yucky.”
The 8-year-old said she was then made to drink the bleach herself, describing it as burning her tongue and smelling foul, like pickles. She vomited after three sips. Moments later, Zephir placed her younger daughter back in the car, where she stopped breathing and passed away.
A Confession and Legal Proceedings
After being taken into custody, Zephir admitted to stabbing her husband before picking up her daughters and carrying out the attack. She stated she believed both children had died and drank a significant amount of bleach in a failed suicide attempt.
Prosecutors have announced they are seeking the death penalty for Zephir, though a plea deal has been offered. Despite her recent request to replace her court-appointed attorney, the judge ruled she is receiving effective counsel.
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