In a quiet Palm Beach County home, a three-year-old girl endured a nightmare no child should ever face. Her mother, 27-year-old Roshawn Gatlin, allegedly stabbed her more than 20 times in a brutal attack that has left the community reeling. The toddler, now recovering in a hospital bed, clings to life with a resilience that defies the horror she experienced. Doctors report she is stable and expected to survive, a small miracle amid a tragedy that has sparked outrage and heartbreak across Florida.

The incident unfolded on the afternoon of April 21, 2025, when Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a chilling 911 call. It was Gatlin herself who made the call, confessing to the violent act she had just committed against her own daughter. When deputies arrived at the scene, the child’s father directed them to home security footage that captured the chilling prelude to the attack. The video showed Gatlin retrieving a large kitchen knife from the kitchen before leading her daughter into a hallway, where the assault took place. The footage, described by authorities as harrowing, provided critical evidence in the case.

The young victim suffered more than 20 stab wounds to her torso and one to her right arm, injuries that speak to the ferocity of the attack. She was rushed to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where medical staff worked tirelessly to stabilize her. Despite the severity of her wounds, the girl’s condition has improved, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise devastating story. Her survival is a testament to both medical expertise and the strength of a child caught in an incomprehensible act of violence.

Gatlin was arrested at the scene and charged with attempted first-degree murder with a deadly weapon, classified as a domestic crime due to the familial relationship. She is currently being held without bail at the Palm Beach County Jail, a decision reflecting the gravity of the allegations. During her initial court appearance on April 22, a judge issued a stern order prohibiting Gatlin from having any contact with minors or witnesses involved in the case. This restriction underscores the court’s concern for the safety of others as the legal process unfolds.

Investigators are still piecing together the motive behind the attack, which remains unclear. Gatlin’s confession to authorities, coupled with the security footage, has provided a clear timeline of events, but questions linger about what drove a mother to such an extreme act. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has declined to release additional details about the family’s history or any prior interactions with law enforcement, citing the ongoing investigation. Community members, meanwhile, have expressed shock and disbelief, struggling to reconcile the image of a mother with the violence she is accused of perpetrating.

The case has drawn significant attention, not only for its brutality but also for the broader questions it raises about mental health, domestic violence, and child safety. Advocates for child welfare have called for increased resources to identify and support at-risk families, emphasizing the need for early intervention to prevent such tragedies. Local organizations have begun offering counseling services to those affected by the news, recognizing the emotional toll it has taken on the community.

As the toddler continues her recovery, surrounded by medical staff and loved ones, the focus remains on her healing. Her father, who played a crucial role in alerting authorities, has not spoken publicly, but those close to the family describe him as devastated yet determined to support his daughter’s recovery. The road ahead will be long, both physically and emotionally, for a child who has endured unimaginable trauma.

Gatlin’s next court appearance is pending, and prosecutors are expected to build a case that leans heavily on the security footage and her own admission. Legal experts anticipate a complex trial, given the domestic nature of the crime and the young age of the victim. For now, the community waits, grappling with grief and a collective desire for justice.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of safety within the home and the urgent need to protect the most vulnerable. As Palm Beach County mourns, it also rallies around a little girl whose survival is a beacon of hope in the face of darkness.