On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, CBS News reported that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called on the state House of Representatives to impeach a circuit judge who released a man later accused of killing a 5-year-old girl, as he signed new legislation aimed at tightening rules on pre-sentencing release.
The measure, known as “Missy’s Law,” was signed during a ceremony in Tampa and is named after Melissa “Missy” Mogle, a Tallahassee child who was killed in May 2025. Authorities said the girl’s stepfather, Daniel Spencer, fatally abused her while he was out on bond awaiting sentencing in an unrelated case involving an attempted meeting with a minor for sex. Spencer has since been charged with first-degree murder.
The new law requires judges to remand individuals convicted of dangerous crimes into custody immediately following a guilty verdict, prohibiting their release on bond while awaiting sentencing or further proceedings.
Before signing the bill, DeSantis sharply criticized 2nd Judicial Circuit Court Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper, who had allowed Spencer’s release pending sentencing. The governor urged lawmakers to pursue impeachment, arguing that stronger accountability measures are necessary to prevent similar incidents.
Mogle’s family attended the bill signing, which also included approval of a separate measure updating statutory language by replacing the term “child pornography” with “child sexual assault material.”
Under the Florida Constitution, the House has the authority to impeach judges with a two-thirds majority vote. Republicans currently hold a supermajority in the chamber, giving them sufficient numbers to initiate such proceedings. If a judge is impeached or resigns, the governor is responsible for appointing a replacement.
Judicial impeachments in Florida are uncommon. In 2017, the House initiated inquiries into two judges, though one resigned before a hearing, and the other was disciplined by the state Supreme Court but not impeached.
DeSantis said the legislation was driven by tragedy but expressed hope it would prevent similar cases in the future.
Source: CBS News
