St. Petersburg Woman Arrested for Manslaughter in Daycare Case

Urban residential landscape, representing the risks associated with unregulated daycare facilities.

News Summary

Desiree Rentz, a 31-year-old from St. Petersburg, has been arrested for aggravated manslaughter after the tragic death of a 9-month-old boy under her care in an unlicensed daycare. The child died in July 2024, and subsequent investigations revealed Rentz was operating without a proper license and had misrepresented her qualifications to parents. Authorities found that the infant had been given cough syrup not suitable for his age. Rentz now faces several charges as the investigation highlights the dangers of unregulated childcare facilities.

St. Petersburg, FL – A 31-year-old woman from St. Petersburg, Desiree Rentz, was arrested on June 25, 2025, for aggravated manslaughter following the death of a 9-month-old boy under her care at an unlicensed daycare. Timothy David Smith died on July 25, 2024, nearly a year prior to Rentz’s arrest.

Authorities responded to a report of an unresponsive infant at Rentz’s residence located in the Reserve at Lake Pointe Apartments. Upon their arrival, emergency personnel found Smith in an alarming state, prompting an immediate investigation into Rentz’s daycare operations.

According to police reports, Rentz was operating the daycare service from her one-bedroom apartment, caring for more than a dozen children at the time of the incident. Rentz misrepresented herself to parents, claiming to be a licensed daycare operator. However, the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Children and Families confirmed that she never held a daycare license. The licenses displayed on her wall were for temporary foster care, which legally allowed her to care for only one child.

In a tragic turn of events, an autopsy conducted by the Medical Examiner’s Office revealed that young Smith had been administered cough syrup that is not recommended for children under the age of four, all without the knowledge or consent of his parents. This critical detail highlighted the dangers of unregulated daycare environments, raising alarms among investigators and community officials alike.

In addition to aggravated manslaughter of a child, Rentz faces charges of misrepresentation of a childcare facility resulting in death. She was apprehended with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and is currently being held in Pinellas County Jail, with bail set at $175,000. A public defender has been appointed to represent her, and a not guilty plea has been submitted on her behalf.

The investigation into Smith’s death has proven to be complex, as many of the children in Rentz’s care were relatives. This familial relation has added layers of difficulty to the investigation process, necessitating thorough interviews with both relatives and parents to ascertain the full scope of the situation. Officials noted that the timeline of the investigation was prolonged due to the need for toxicology reports and the intricacy of interviewing involved parties.

St. Petersburg police officials expressed grave concern regarding unlicensed daycare providers, especially during the summer months when working parents often rely heavily on such services. This incident has raised awareness about the potential hazards faced by children in unmonitored childcare arrangements and underscores the need for stringent regulations in the childcare industry.

The tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Timothy David Smith reveal significant issues within unlicensed daycare operations, prompting calls for increased oversight and regulation to prevent similar incidents in the future. As this case progresses through the legal system, it serves as a poignant reminder of the vital importance of child safety in childcare settings.