In a significant development in the case of a missing 10-year-old girl, Gabrielle Patricia Terrellong, her mother, Pasha Davis, has been arrested in Margate, Florida, on charges of child neglect without great bodily harm. Gabrielle was last seen on June 21 at a Walmart in Hollywood, Florida, but was not reported missing until October 29, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
The Margate Police Department issued a public appeal for help locating Gabrielle, describing her as approximately 4 feet 8 inches tall, weighing around 90 pounds, and last seen wearing a white t-shirt, black long pants, and white Crocs. Authorities indicated that she frequently traveled between Central and South Florida with her mother. At the time of Gabrielle’s last known sighting, Davis was reportedly wearing all black and carrying a large black backpack.
Davis had been in custody prior to her arrest for allegedly shoplifting at a Dollar Tree store on October 17, which is when Gabrielle’s father reported her missing. Following her release on bond, Davis disappeared, prompting concern from family members who feared for Gabrielle’s safety. Gabrielle’s aunt emphasized that Davis has a history of mental health issues and a transient lifestyle, leading to fears that Gabrielle may have been placed in harm’s way or handed off to someone else.
Following her arrest, Davis’s bond was set at $100,000, and she has been ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation and wear an ankle monitor. However, during court proceedings, it became apparent that Davis has not disclosed any information about her daughter’s whereabouts, prompting further alarm among investigators and family.
The FBI has joined state and local authorities in the search for Gabrielle, emphasizing that she is still missing and at risk. Investigators are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact the FBI or local law enforcement. The ongoing search is complicated by the family’s history of instability, as well as the lack of concrete leads in the four months since Gabrielle was last seen.
Experts in child psychology and forensic investigation have raised concerns about the implications of Davis’s mental health on the case. Reports indicate that Davis has previously been Baker Acted, meaning she was involuntarily committed for mental health evaluation due to being deemed a danger to herself or others. This history raises critical questions about her ability to care for Gabrielle and the potential risks involved.
The timeline of events has left many family members and advocates fearing for Gabrielle’s safety, with her aunt expressing deep concern that Gabrielle may not be alive. The activation of a missing child alert by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement signifies the urgency of the situation, meeting specific criteria indicating that Gabrielle is in danger.
The community’s involvement is essential as the search continues, with law enforcement encouraging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information that could aid in locating Gabrielle. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on finding the young girl and ensuring her safety amidst the troubling circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
