safety
South Florida mother accused of chaining 13-year-old daughter to fence in Hialeah faces child abuse charges
By Ivan Taylor at CBS4 Miami
· July 14, 2026
· 3 min read
A South Florida mother is facing child abuse and child neglect charges after Hialeah police say she chained her 13-year-old daughter to a fence outside a relative's home and left her there in the summer heat without food, water or shade.Authorities arrested 34-year-old Maldonado in connection with t
Key takeaway Miami Dade Corrections Ring camera video obtained by neighbors captured the mother's arrival at the residence shortly before 10 a.
Why this matters in The Miami
The disturbing incident in Hialeah raises concerns about the well-being of vulnerable children in Miami-Dade County. As the county's social services and law enforcement agencies work to ensure the 13-year-old girl's safety, it's crucial to consider the potential long-term effects of such trauma on her physical and emotional health. The fact that the girl was allegedly left without protection from the sun, food, or water in the summer heat is particularly alarming, given Miami's well-documented risks of heat-related illnesses. Furthermore, the incident highlights the need for increased support and resources for families struggling with economic and personal challenges, as evidenced by the mother's reported job loss. As the investigation unfolds, it's essential to examine how local authorities and community organizations can work together to prevent similar incidents and provide adequate care for children in need.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A South Florida mother is facing child abuse and child neglect charges after Hialeah police say she chained her 13-year-old daughter to a fence outside a relative's home and left her there in the summer heat without food, water or shade.Authorities arrested 34-year-old Maldonado in connection with t
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ivan Taylor at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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