Mother Sentenced for Torturing and Caging 6-Year-Old Son Before His Death in Tub

Florida Mother Sentenced to 20 Years for Role in Son’s Death

A Florida mother has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for her involvement in the death of her 6-year-old son, who suffered severe abuse before drowning in a bathtub. Alize Seymore was indicted on multiple charges, including murder, aggravated child abuse, and aggravated manslaughter of a child, following the tragic death of her son, Anthony Rouse.

Seymore reached a plea deal with prosecutors and admitted guilt to aggravated child abuse before the trial was set to begin. According to prosecutors, she subjected her son to extreme abuse, including locking him in cages, asphyxiating him until he lost consciousness, starving him, and beating him. The abuse reportedly ended when Anthony drowned in a bathtub after being forced to take a bath in a dark, locked bathroom.

Anthony's stepfather, Tre Seymore, also faced legal consequences. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and other charges, receiving a 30-year sentence under the condition that he testify against his wife.

The Tragic Incident

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office were called to a home in Eagle Lake, Florida, on April 22, 2023, after reports of a child drowning in a bathtub. Seymore told police that she locked her son in the bathroom and instructed him to take a bath after he wet himself. A probable cause affidavit revealed that while Anthony was in the tub, Seymore was scrolling through TikTok before using a fork to pry open the bathroom door.

Officers found the child face down in the bathtub, with no electricity in the room due to cut breakers. The bathroom had no windows and was completely dark during the incident. Anthony was rushed to a hospital in Tampa, where he was placed on life support but later pronounced dead after showing no signs of brain activity.

Incriminating Messages and Abuse Patterns

The Seymores exchanged incriminating messages in the days leading up to Anthony's death. On March 31, the couple discussed Anthony getting caught stealing "a handful of noodles" and being put in a cage before escaping and being returned. On April 1, Alize Seymore allegedly wrote: "Bro imma end up killing this fat b—, my house getting is f—ing dirty cause him, walls in garage turning f—ing black gt marks and s— like bro."

Later that day, she sent her husband a video of Anthony in the cage, writing, "He [can] stay in that f—ing s— and rottttt." She also texted, "I hate him," referring to her young son, claiming she was "too busy with the other kids I love and care bout [sic]." Additionally, Seymore mentioned wanting to put Anthony up for adoption the day before he died.

Sibling's Testimony

One of Anthony's siblings told investigators that he initially lied about the circumstances surrounding the drowning after his mother threatened him. During an interview, the sibling disclosed that Anthony got in trouble for stealing food and was taken to the bathroom to "swim." The sibling explained that "swimming" meant "drowning," and "drowning" meant holding the victim's head underwater. He described how Tre held Anthony's head underwater and stated that he watched the incident unfold.

Investigators noted that the Seymores frequently talked about putting Anthony in a cage as punishment and encouraged other children to abuse him. Alize would direct other children to lock Anthony and others in a bedroom, rewarding them with food or candy if they beat him at her direction. Tre would single out Anthony and "take him swimming" as a form of torture.

Ongoing Abuse and Neglect

The investigative findings, combined with observations of neglect at the scene, revealed the ongoing abuse and neglect by both parents, ultimately leading to Anthony's death. The case highlights the devastating impact of child abuse and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children.