A Sebring man has been charged with manslaughter following the apparent drowning death of his 9-year-old autistic daughter.
Deputies were called to 6132 Oak Bend Ave. in Sebring at 11 a.m. to search for Arianna Salmoe Maura, who had been missing for an undetermined amount of time. Her father, 44-year-old Desi Maura, told dispatchers he had fallen asleep sometime last night and had just woken up to discover Arianna missing. The only other person in the home was Arianna’s 17-year-old brother.
Deputes began searching upon arrival, but at 11:26 a.m., Arianna was located floating in a man-made duck pond near her home. Lifesaving measures were immediately started by deputies, and Arianna was quickly transported to the hospital. She was pronounced dead at 12:08 p.m.
Desi Maura was transported to the Highlands County Jail.
