Body of boy, 2, found in alligator's mouth day after mother found stabbed to death in apartment

1 April 2023, 22:11 | Updated: 1 April 2023, 23:43

Police in Florida opened fire on an alligator to retrieve the body of a two-year-old Taylen Mosley (left), just one day after his mother Pashun Jeffrey (right) was found stabbed to death in her apartment.
Police in Florida opened fire on an alligator to retrieve the body of a two-year-old Taylen Mosley (left), just one day after his mother Pashun Jeffrey (right) was found stabbed to death in her apartment. Picture: St Petersburg Police Department

By Chris Samuel

A police officer in Florida shot an alligator to retrieve the body of a missing two-year-old boy, just one day after the toddler's mother was found stabbed to death in her apartment.

Taylen Mosley's mother Pashun Jeffery, 20, was found dead on Thursday having been stabbed multiple times, according to police.

An extensive search was then launched to find Taylen, two, involving sniffer dogs, a drone, as well as federal and state law enforcement agencies.

After the boy's body was spotted in an alligator's mouth near Dell Holes Park, some 10 miles from Ms Pashun's apartment in St Petersburg, police shot and killed the creature to reclaim the body.

Taylen's father, Thomas Mosley, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, SPPD police chief Anthony Holloway said.

Read more: Paul O'Grady's family 'distraught' after the TV star's 'unexpected' death aged 67

Read more: 'Danger tourist' Miles Routledge 'among three Brits detained by Taliban regime in Afghanistan'

The body of Taylen Mosley (pictured) was found in the mouth of an alligator in Florida.
The body of Taylen Mosley (pictured) was found in the mouth of an alligator in Florida. Picture: St Petersburg Police Department

Thomas Mosley had reportedly been in hospital since Wednesday, before Taylen was reported missing, with cuts on his hands and arms.

He did not speak to police, with the force confirming that he was not cooperating with authorities.

Police waited until he was discharged to arrest him. He was then moved to Pinellas County Jail.

Pashun Jeffery (pictured) was found dead on Thursday having been stabbed multiple times, according to police.
Pashun Jeffery (pictured) was found dead on Thursday having been stabbed multiple times, according to police. . Picture: St Petersburg Police Department

Speaking at a news conference, Mr Holloway the force didn't want to find Taylen "this way", but said "at least we can bring some closure to that family now".

According to police, family members saw Ms Jeffery and Taylen on Wednesday, and asked on Thursday for an apartment manager to check when they couldn't get hold of her.

Taylen's father, Thomas Mosley (pictured), has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, police said.
Taylen's father, Thomas Mosley (pictured), has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, police said. Picture: Pinellas County Jail

Police said it is not clear if Taylen was killed by the alligator or if he was already dead before he ended up in the water.

The youngster's cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner, Mr Holloway said.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Kerri Pegg, former governor of HMP Kirkham,

Prison governor guilty of misconduct after relationship with drug boss 'Jesse Pinkman' who gifted her £12k Mercedes

Emergency services search for survivors after the ceiling collapsed in Dominican Republic

At least 15 killed after nightclub ceiling collapses in Dominican Republic as desperate hunt for survivors launched

Westfield Stratford City shopping center, London England United Kingdom UK

Two teenage boys charged after seat thrown from third floor of Westfield shopping centre

Elton John and Madonna 'bury the hatchet' after decades-long feud

Elton John and Madonna 'bury the hatchet' after decades-long feud

Zelenskyy shared the video of the alleged Chinese soldier on Telegram

Two Chinese soldiers captured fighting in Ukraine - and Zelenskyy says he wants US and Europe to respond

Ahmad Mamdouh Al Ibrahim was fatally stabbed in Huddersfield

Boy, 16, fatally stabbed in Huddersfield was refugee who fled Syria and dreamed of becoming doctor

Yossi Benayoun

Former Premier League star 'survives grenade attack on home'

New Scotland Yard

Serving Met Police officer charged with four counts of rape

FILE - A North Korean military guard post, top, and South Korean post, bottom, are seen from Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)

South Korean military fire at North Korean soldiers 'crossing demarcation line'

Jorge Bolano of Parma

Cause of death revealed after World Cup star dies aged 47 as Gianluigi Buffon leads tributes

Rachel Reeves has told Brits 'we have your backs'

'We've got your back,' Rachel Reeves tells Brits as she warns Trump's tariffs have 'huge implications' for economy

Boy, 15, and girl, 13, guilty of manslaughter following the death of Leicester pensioner Bhim Kohli

Boy, 15, and girl, 13, guilty of manslaughter following the death of Leicester dog walker Bhim Kohli

File photo of a Ukrainian soldier, with forces confirmed to be in a second Russian border region

'War must return where it came from': Ukraine forces 'active in second Russian border region', Zelenskyy confirms

Dismembered body of British scientist found in suitcase after vanishing in Columbia

Dismembered body of British scientist found in suitcase after vanishing in Colombia

Exclusive
Wes Streeting hopes booking a GP appointment will be easier by the next election

Wes Streeting unable to say when '8am scramble' for GP appointments will end despite earlier promises

Irmgard Furchner

Nazi 'Secretary of Evil' convicted for murders of 10,500 Holocaust victims dies aged 99