MILTON FLORIDA, A 40-year-old woman has been charged with murder after authorities say she fatally stabbed her 6-year-old daughter inside their family home.
April Oliva is accused of stabbing her daughter, Valerie Oliva, multiple times with a kitchen knife Tuesday night at a residence in the 5000 block of Nowling Drive, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators allege the child suffered more than 20 stab wounds. Responding deputies located the girl with severe injuries, including wounds to the neck. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the arrest report, Oliva contacted her sister around 11 p.m. The sister later told authorities the call was disturbing and included statements referencing “evil spirits” and that something bad had happened.
The child’s father, who was out of town for work, was contacted and returned home, where he found both his wife and daughter on the floor.
Deputies reported that Oliva had sustained what appeared to be self-inflicted wounds to her neck and abdomen. She was transported to a hospital for treatment before being taken into custody.
Authorities stated no other adults or children were present in the home at the time of the incident.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the investigation remains active. Officials have not released additional details regarding a possible motive.
“This is a deeply tragic case, and our thoughts are with all those affected,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement, adding that detectives continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews.
