Sheriff’s Office Media Release

On November 13, 2013, Indian River County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 34 year old Summer Marie Stiles of Vero Beach, Florida on a warrant stemming from the July 25, 2013, drowning of her son, 3 year old Dakota Stiles.

S. Stiles was charged with one count of child neglect in July as a result of an incident which occurred on July 12, 2013, when Dakota was found unattended in a neighbor’s yard.

During the investigation of the drowning, detectives found numerous inconsistencies in S. Stiles’ version of the events as well as several contributing factors which led to Dakota’s death. According to the warrant affidavit submitted by Indian River County Sheriff’s Detective Ron Garrison, S. Stiles failed to secure the pool area of the yard from Dakota’s access in spite of his history of wandering. Further, a piece of cardboard covering a window in a bedroom was all that kept the area of the pool secure from the child’s access. S. Stiles was aware of the window being protected by cardboard and its lack of security for at least 6 months. S. Stiles did not make an effort to better secure the window or drain the unused swimming pool.

Both S. Stiles and her husband Todd Stiles told investigators they could not afford to repair the window.  However, investigators noted the house contained a large screen TV with cable, a video gaming system, and a computer. Additionally, DCF had both recommended the securing of the pool area and offered services free of charge but the Stiles did not respond to or accept the offers. Detective Garrison notes that the Stiles were aware Dakota could not swim and had access to a swimming pool without supervision. Finally, S. Stiles initially reported she had not used any drugs on the day of the drowning with the exception of ibuprofen. Toxicology report of S. Stiles blood taken on the day Dakota drowned, showed hydrocodone and possible opiates.

A copy of the redacted warrant affidavit will be available this afternoon.  Photos of the scene which were incorporated into the affidavit are attached to this email along with the booking photo of S. Stiles. The original media release of July 25, 2013 is also attached.

S. Stiles was arrested and booked into the Indian River County Jail in November 13, 2013, for one count of aggravated manslaughter of a child, a first degree felony. She is being held on $50,000 bond.