Mother Pleads Guilty in 6-Year-Old's Abuse and Drowning, Gets 20-Year Sentence

Background of the Case

A 27-year-old woman, Alize Blancita Seymore, has been sentenced to 20 years in Florida State Prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the abuse and drowning of a 6-year-old boy. The plea was entered on July 28 at the Bartow Courthouse, just as jury selection was set to begin for her trial. She admitted to two counts of aggravated child abuse and received a 20-year sentence for each charge, which will be served concurrently.

Her husband, Tre Shequile Seymore, 29, had already agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder and other charges. He is set to serve 30 years in prison and will testify against his wife during her trial. His plea agreement also includes charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child, child abuse, and causing a minor to become delinquent or dependent.

According to court documents, Tre Seymore faced the possibility of a first-degree murder conviction if his case had proceeded to trial. Both individuals were arrested following an incident involving the death of their 6-year-old son, Anthony Rouse.

Initial Response and Arrest

First responders were called to a home in Winter Haven on April 22, 2023, after reports of a drowning involving a 6-year-old boy in a bathtub. The couple, who were guardians of several children, were later taken into custody and charged with child abuse and torture.

A Polk County grand jury indicted both Seymores on August 31, 2023, for first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse by aggravated battery, aggravated manslaughter of a child, and other charges. The Sheriff’s Office obtained a warrant to search Alize Seymore’s cell phone, where investigators discovered text messages between the couple discussing their practice of leaving the child in a dog cage for extended periods.

During a search of the home, detectives found that the bathroom lacked electricity and had no windows. The bedrooms where the children slept also had no power, and the doors locked from the outside. A dog cage was found in the garage, used to "punish" the victim by locking him inside. Medical records and an autopsy revealed scars from prior physical abuse, along with multiple open wounds when the boy was found on April 22.

Testimonies and Evidence

Two other children in the home, aged 7 and 10, told investigators that they were rewarded with candy and food if they participated in "beating up" the victim and putting him in the dog cage. They also described seeing Tre Seymore hold Anthony's head underwater in a bathtub.

Forensic examination of the suspects' cell phones revealed text messages describing the abuse, along with photos and videos of the abuse and the boy being locked in the dog cage. These findings provided critical evidence in the case.

The couple, who were married and guardians of several children, were accused of repeatedly abusing Anthony, the son of Alize Seymore and stepson of Tre Seymore. Rescue workers found the boy unconscious in a bathroom at the Seymores’ home. He died at a hospital two days later.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Alize Seymore’s plea agreement allowed her to avoid a trial on the first-degree murder charge. Her sentencing followed the agreement, while her husband's case was resolved earlier. Both individuals are now facing significant prison time for their roles in the tragic death of the 6-year-old boy.

The case highlights the severe consequences of child abuse and the legal actions taken against those who commit such crimes. The details uncovered during the investigation reveal a disturbing pattern of abuse and neglect that led to the child’s death.