We all nurture and care for our children, worrying daily over whether they are eating enough vegetables or learning well in school. This is why hearing a story like Dani’s is so utterly disturbing. Danielle “Dani” Crockett was found at the age of six by authorities in her Plant City, Florida home living in a dark room the size of a walk-in closet filled with dirty diapers and cockroaches.
A St. Petersburg Times article outlines the events which took place before and after Dani was rescued and eventually taken in by a loving family. A neighbor called police to report possible abuse of a child after seeing a small girl’s face in the window of one of the rooms. Detective Mark Holste described the rescue of Dani after speaking with her mother, Michelle Crockett, and finding Dani in the closet. Holste reported, “The pile of dirty diapers in that room must have been 4 feet high. The glass in the window had been broken, and that child was lying there, surrounded by her own excrement and bugs.”
After the detective received Michelle Crockett’s only excuse for the state that her six-year-old daughter was in, “I’m doing the best I can,” he took the (emaciated and covered cockroach bites) child to the hospital. At the hospital, doctors examined Dani. It was obvious Dani had never been cared for, held, or even talked to. She had literally only been fed She was unable to speak, use the toilet, hold a doll, feed herself, or make eye contact with doctors. Dr. Kathleen Armstrong described Dani’s case as, “the most outrageous case of neglect I’ve ever seen.”
Dani now lives with her adoptive parents Bernie and Diane Lierow in a loving home where she is cared for and attended to around the clock. Michelle Crockett, Dani’s biological mother, gave up her parental rights in exchange for not having to serve time in jail. Crockett only faced probation and house arrest for the crimes she committed against Danielle.
Dani is now 10-years-old. She attends school, speech therapy and horseback riding lessons. She has been potty trained and can feed herself. She can hold stuffed animals and allows her new parents to hold her. Though she may never speak more than a few words, her parents find solace in counting the “small steps”.
I am appaled at this type of abuse. As a mother I can not see how a woman could do this to her child, or any child for that matter! Our children depend on us to nurture and care for them, protect them and teach them how to survive in this world. This woman should be forced to live the way her daughter had to!!!
Jen7145::
on Apr 17, 2009
This woman, do not call her a mother, deserves what she gave this child. A small room, a box a diapers and no human contact. Actually, how about a psychological evaluation and then sterilization. Probation!!? How about this girl will never function to her full potential. To me this woman killed Dani's soul and she goes on to live her life. Pray to God she never has another child!!!
lia7704::
on Apr 19, 2009
I seriously hope that the woman never has another child. Poor Dani! Thank the neighbor that called athorities! Now take that woman, give her the same treatment, add a few things to make it worse, and show her how it feels. I honestly don't think that probation was enough, it was actually nothing! That heffer should not be called a woman NOR a mother. She doesn't even deserve to be called anything at all. A mother don't do those things to their child, much less a woman! That is a mentally disturbed idiot! Children are precious by all means! No child deserves that. I may be a little out of line for some, but .... the poor little girl!
makeetis::
on Apr 19, 2009
Child abuse seems to get to me more than anything. I believe the biological parent should be sent to prison for a long time and not aloud any more children. To think of what that little girl went through is so hard for me to understand. I wish that little girl all the love and best wishes because at least it sounds like she has people to love her. That's mostly what kids want. Love and attention.
sarahmblessing::
on Apr 30, 2009
If we as people don't stand up for these children who will. Please visit Court Appointed Special Advocates at www.nationalcasa.org. This is a volunteer network representing the interest of abused and/or neglected children in courtrooms across the country. Provide a much needed support system for a child struggling with family problems, difficult circumstances, and the legal system. Anyone can apply to the program and volunteers receive training in advocacy techniques, courtroom procedure, and adolescent behavior. Cases typically last one to two years, and advocates spend roughly 20 hours a month researching cases, attending legal proceedings to speak in the child's behalf, and watch out for the child's welfare. Apply to be a court appointed advocate by searching www.nationalcasa.org to find a local program. Let's all do our part to make sure this doesn't happen to more children.
ginabear::
on May 01, 2009
The biological mother didn't get punished nearly enough for what she did to that little girl. I always felt horrible after hearing stories about children being abused or neglected, but since I became a mom I can barely read/listen to the stories. Children look to their parents to love and care for them. To teach them. To laugh with them. To dream with them. I hope that Dani flourishes with her new parents and learns that love and understanding are two of the best things we can give each other.
jerseygyrl143::
on May 24, 2009
Thank goodness for that neighbor that called in and reported it. I think the mother should have been sent to jail for a very long time for this, what lesson did she learn? obviously she didnt want her child anyway so why would she care only having to give up her rights to the child? what if she happens to have another child? will they let the same thing happen again? I am so happy for Dani that she has a new loving family! Just THANK GOD they found her before she died in the living situation. This kind of reminds of the book called "A Child Called It".
newfiegirl1971::
on Jun 13, 2009
I am really happy to hear that Dani is doing alot better now and has found someone who will love her the way a child should be loved..As for the Mother...they gave her a slap on the wrist,told her not to do that no more and sent her along her way so maybe someday she will have another Dani and do the same to her....God i wonder what is going on in the justice system....People treat their animals better then that mother treated her daughter....I think about all the people in the world who wish everyday to have a son or daughter and can't and people like that have them and treat them badly...as a mother i could never find anything in my life that is more wonderful then my children...they are what is important in life..nothing compares to when your little girl looks at you and says i love you mommy
