Stepmom charged after 5-year-old drowns in toxic waste pit
- Riley Scot Hogeback drowned in a man-made waste ditch while under the care of his stepmother, Cheyenne Star Fite, on October 11 in Florida.
- Witnesses stated that Fite was reportedly asleep at the time of the incident and had punished Riley by leaving him outside without clothes earlier that day.
- Following an investigation, Fite was charged with aggravated manslaughter by child abuse, which raised serious concerns about child safety and caregiver responsibilities.
In Florida, a tragic incident occurred on October 11, resulting in the drowning of a five-year-old boy named Riley Scot Hogeback. The child drowned in a man-made waste ditch adjacent to a pig pen while under the supervision of his stepmother, Cheyenne Star Fite. Reports indicate that Fite had left Riley and his two siblings outside to play because of a power outage. While she briefly turned her attention to household chores, Riley fell into the ditch and drowned, with another child alerting Fite only after the situation became dire. The authorities later discovered that the area where Riley was found contained toxic fumes and animal waste. Witness testimonies reported that Fite had been asleep at the time Riley fell into the ditch and that earlier that day, she had punished him by leaving him outside without clothes for injuring a chicken. This neglectful parenting decision has raised significant concerns, particularly given that the pit was not a safe place for children to play. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, emergency responders rushed Riley to a local hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The investigation revealed that the pit, which had been newly excavated, smelled offensively of fecal matter and urine. Furthermore, Fite allegedly attempted to rescue Riley but became distracted, making matters worse as she did not promptly react to the cries for help. The horrifying discovery of Riley's body highlighted the grim conditions around the waste ditch and sparked outrage in the community. Fite has been charged with one count of aggravated manslaughter by child abuse and is currently being held without bond in the Osceola County Jail, awaiting her court appearance. The legal ramifications of this case are significant, as it raises critical questions surrounding child safety and the responsibilities of caregivers. The tragedy has left a profound impact on the local community, who mourn the loss of a boy described as 'a sweet but mischievous child' whose spirit will be remembered by those who knew him.