Florida Woman accused of convincing 10 year child to attempt homicide on infant through Roblox game

In Pensacola, Florida, Tara Alexis Sykes, 36, has been charged with attempted homicide and aggravated child abuse after allegedly convincing a 10-year-old girl through Roblox to harm a 2-month-old infant.

According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Sykes used the online game’s chat feature to give the child detailed instructions on how to harm the infant, which included dropping the baby on the kitchen floor, leading to a skull fracture. The sheriff described this as “one of the most disturbing cases” in his career.

Reports indicate that Sykes also provided instructions to harm the girl's guardians, allegedly instructing her to cut their throats while they slept and to burn the home. The 10-year-old, fearful for her safety, initially attempted to follow these instructions but ultimately refrained. Authorities were alerted when the guardians discovered evidence of aerosol-doused sheets, a lighter, and screenshots of Sykes' messages to the girl.

This arrest adds to Sykes' legal issues, as she and her husband, James Sykes, were previously charged with child neglect related to their teen daughter’s pregnancy and malnutrition. Sykes’ arraignment is set for November 8, while her husband will appear in court on November 5 in connection with the neglect case. These charges have stirred significant public concern, highlighting the risks children may face on online platforms.