Tragedy In Punta Gorda; Florida Mother Gwendolyn Girard Accused of Stabbing 12-Year-Old Daughter and Leaving Her for Dead in Wildlife Area

PUNTA GORDA, FL — In a harrowing and deeply disturbing case that has shaken the Southwest Florida community, a 35-year-old woman identified as Gwendolyn Girard was arrested after allegedly stabbing her 12-year-old daughter in the face and neck and attempting to leave her for dead in a remote part of the Cecil Webb Wildlife Management Area.

Authorities say the young girl was found alive but gravely injured by two bystanders who happened to be in the area. The child, who had been partially concealed beneath a pile of brush, was bleeding and severely weakened when help arrived. Despite her critical condition, she was able to speak and identified her mother, Gwendolyn Girard, as her attacker.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office responded swiftly after the report. The girl was rushed to a local hospital where she received emergency treatment and is now listed in stable condition. Medical professionals have confirmed that her injuries, while serious, are no longer life-threatening thanks to the rapid response from Good Samaritans and first responders.

Investigators quickly began piecing together the case, eventually locating Girard and her gold-colored van, which had reportedly been seen near the scene of the crime. Girard was found in neighboring Lee County and taken into custody without incident. According to officials, during questioning, she admitted to the violent attack and provided information about the weapon used, which led authorities to the recovery of the knife believed to have been used in the stabbing.

Girard now faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and aggravated child abuse, both of which are considered extremely serious offenses in the state of Florida. She is currently being held in the Lee County Jail on a $750,000 bond and is awaiting extradition to Charlotte County, where the charges will be formally processed.

In a statement to the press, Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell expressed his horror and dismay over the nature of the crime. “In my 33 years of law enforcement, this is truly one of the most disturbing cases I’ve ever seen. It’s unimaginable that a mother could inflict this level of harm on her own child and then try to discard her as if she were nothing,” Prummell said.

The victim’s grandmother, who confirmed that Girard is indeed the girl’s biological mother, is now among the family members rallying behind the child’s recovery. She described the young girl as “a fighter,” and said she was grateful beyond words that her granddaughter survived such a horrific ordeal.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear at this time. Detectives are currently working to establish a timeline of events and are interviewing friends, neighbors, and relatives in hopes of uncovering any signs of premeditation or possible prior abuse. Records show no previous criminal history of violent behavior by Girard, but investigators have not ruled out the possibility of underlying mental health issues or domestic stressors playing a role.

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has also launched an independent investigation, which is standard procedure in cases involving suspected child abuse by a parent or guardian. The agency will be working in conjunction with law enforcement to assess the child’s long-term safety and well-being.

As news of the incident spread, community members expressed their shock and sorrow. Several local organizations have stepped forward offering support to the young victim, and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help with her medical expenses and any long-term care she may require.

“This little girl showed incredible strength in the face of unthinkable trauma,” said one of the bystanders who helped save her. “She’s a survivor, and she deserves justice.”

Girard’s next court appearance will be scheduled once she is transferred to Charlotte County. If convicted, she faces the possibility of decades in prison. Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they plan to pursue additional charges or enhanced sentencing due to the especially cruel nature of the crime.

As the investigation continues, officials are urging anyone with information about Girard or her recent behavior to contact the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers. Meanwhile, the community remains hopeful that the victim will make a full recovery and find the support she needs to heal from this traumatic experience.

Our thoughts are with this brave young girl and her family during this incredibly difficult time.