Toddler’s body found in alligator’s jaws after his mother was killed

Authorities in Florida found the body of a 2-year-old boy in the jaws of an alligator in a lake after the minor’s mother was allegedly murdered by his father. According to The Associated Press, little Taylen Mosley’s body was found on Friday after authorities initiated a swift search for him.

The toddler’s father, identified as 21-year-old Thomas Mosley, is accused of killing him as well as his mother. Speaking on the tragic incident, St. Petersburg Police Chief, Anthony Holloway, said the suspect will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Taylen’s mother, Pashun Jeffery, was found deceased in their home last week. Authorities subsequently initiated a search for the minor, using dive teams and drones. “We are sorry it has had to end this way,” Holloway said, adding that officers involved in the search found the toddler’s body in a lake not too far from their apartment. 

Holloway also said the minor’s body was in the jaws of an alligator when he was found, but the reptile later let go of the deceased toddler after officers opened fire on it. “We were able to retrieve Taylen’s body intact,” Holloway said. Authorities later euthanized the alligator.

Jeffery and her son were last seen by family members last Wednesday, and though neighbors heard noises around their apartment later that day, the police were not contacted. Jeffery, whose mother ultimately got in touch with the apartment complex after she was unable to get in touch with her daughter, was later found with multiple stab wounds, in what authorities describe as “a very violent crime scene.” 

In the wake of the fatal incident, Mosley went to a hospital to get treatment for cuts on his arms and hands, but declined to speak with investigators, The Associated Press reported. “The father is not talking to us,” Halloway said. 

Police did not share the details on Taylen’s cause of death and if the alligator was involved in his demise.