DeSantis Urges Impeachment of FL Judge After Release of Violent Defendant

 

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.

pa, 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.