A woman is now in custody in the Charlotte County Jail after allegedly stabbing a 12-year-old girl in the face and neck and attempting to conceal her body, though the victim was still alive.
On the afternoon of Monday, May 26, Charlotte County deputies responded to the Cecil Webb Wildlife Management Area after passing bystanders discovered a 12-year-old girl with significant cuts to her face and neck. Upon arrival, deputies found the victim in a weakened state and in immediate need of medical attention.
The victim was able to tell deputies that 35-year-old Gwendolyn Girard had attacked her with a knife and left her hidden under brush before fleeing in a gold-colored van.
Through investigative efforts, the van was located in North Fort Myers by members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, with Girard found at the same location. The vehicle was impounded, and Girard was transported for questioning. During this time, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit secured a warrant for her arrest on charges of Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Child Abuse.
Major Crimes detectives interviewed Girard, who provided a full confession, including the location of the knife used in the attack.
Sheriff Bill Prummell expressed his shock and concern regarding the incident. “In my 33-year career, there are only a handful of times that I have been left speechless. This is one of those times. To attack a child with a knife… I can’t understand it. It is only by God’s grace that she is still with us today, and I pray for her as she heals from this horrific incident. Unfortunately, the mental trauma inflicted on her may never heal.”
Gwendolyn Girard is currently being held at the Lee County Jail on a $750,000 bond, pending extradition to the Charlotte County Jail. The victim has been treated for her wounds and is reported to be in stable condition.
The investigation remains open at this time.
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