A Florida mother thought a doorbell camera was enough to keep her autistic 5-year-old safe. Deputies say it wasn’t even close.
What Happened
Yvana Miller, 28, was arrested Thursday after her young son was found wandering naked and alone near a residential road in North Fort Myers. Miller was working a full shift at a Cape Coral assisted living facility at the time.
Neighbors on Caterina Court spotted the child near the roadway and immediately called authorities. One neighbor saw the boy trying to eat Styrofoam in a garage and gave him apple juice — he appeared dehydrated.
When deputies arrived, no adults were home.
Inside the Home
Investigators described the living conditions as deeply concerning — little furniture, minimal food, and no running water inside the residence.
What the Mother Said
Detectives tracked Miller down at her workplace. She admitted to leaving her son alone for approximately eight hours and told investigators she was monitoring him remotely through a doorbell camera placed inside the home.
Sheriff Carmine Marceno didn’t hold back:
“You cannot leave a child home alone for hours and expect technology to replace responsible parenting.”
Neighbors React
Residents expressed relief the situation didn’t turn fatal. Neighbor Ellen Schaeffer pointed out the complex is surrounded by unfenced ponds — a drowning risk for any unsupervised child.
“Anything could have happened to him,” said neighbor Angela Graves.
What’s Next
The boy was evaluated by EMS and released to a family member. Miller was booked into Lee County Jail on one count of child neglect — a third-degree felony carrying up to five years in prison. Her bond had not been set as of Friday morning.
