On August 31, 2023, a Winter Haven couple, Tre and Alize Seymore, was indicted by a Polk County grand jury for multiple charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse by aggravated battery, aggravated manslaughter of a child, tampering in felony life capital proceeding, child abuse, and causing a minor to become delinquent/dependent/needy. The indictment was the result of an extensive investigation into the drowning death of a 6-year-old boy who was under their care.
According to the affidavits, Tre (27) and Alize (25) Seymore repeatedly abused the 6-year-old boy and coerced/rewarded two other children in the home to participate in the abuse. This abuse ultimately led to the child being drowned in a bathtub. The couple was married and acted as guardians for several children in their home.
When deputies arrived at the crime scene on April 22, 2023, the Seymores claimed that the victim had been sent to take a bath as a punishment for soiling himself. However, further investigation revealed shocking details. Tre admitted that he turned off the electricity to the children’s bedrooms and the bathroom, and the kids’ bedroom doors locked from the outside. Detectives found clothing soiled with urine and feces in one of the bedrooms, along with feces on the walls of the closet. They also discovered a dog cage in the garage, which was used to “punish” the victim by locking him inside it. Additionally, medications prescribed to the victim were not being given to him.
Medical records from when the victim was admitted on April 22nd, and the subsequent autopsy, showed evidence of prior physical abuse, including scars and multiple open wounds. During interviews with the other children in the home, two of them (ages 7 and 10) disclosed that they were rewarded with candy and food for participating in “beating up” the victim and locking him in the dog cage. They revealed that “swimming,” as referred to by Tre, meant “drowning,” and Tre would hold the victim’s head underwater as punishment. One child stated that they witnessed Tre performing CPR on the victim after holding his head underwater, and Alize threatened to harm him if he told anyone about it.
Forensic examination of the suspects’ cell phones uncovered text messages between Tre and Alize discussing the abuse of the victim. They also found photos and videos depicting the abuse and the victim being locked in the dog cage. The text messages revealed conversations where Alize expressed hatred towards the victim and even contemplated killing him to a specific song.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives obtained felony warrants for both suspects in May 2023. The Seymores were taken into custody in Alachua County and later transferred to the Polk County Jail, where they remained until their recent indictments. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the sheriff’s office and the State Attorney’s Office for the 10th Judicial Circuit, led by Brian Haas.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd commended his detectives for their dedication and partnership with the State Attorney’s Office, emphasizing that there was no rational explanation for the child’s death other than the actions of his mother and stepfather. The sheriff extended his condolences to the young boy’s father and requested prayers for him and his family.
The indictment and subsequent arrest of Tre and Alize Seymore serve as a tragic reminder of the importance of protecting innocent children from abuse and neglect. It is the duty of society to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or signs of abuse to the appropriate authorities. Only by working together can we ensure the safety and well-being of all children, providing them with the protection and care they deserve.