6-Year-Old Girl Brutally Stabbed More Than 20 Times by Her Own Mother: Roshain Gatlein, 27, Arrested and Charged With Attempted First-Degree Murder
A small Florida community is reeling after the harrowing events of April 19, when a six-year-old girl was brutally attacked in her own home — allegedly by her own mother. The suspect, 27-year-old Roshain Gatlein, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder after she reportedly stabbed her daughter more than 20 times, in an attack that investigators describe as both deliberate and deeply violent.
The child, whose name is being withheld due to her age, is currently hospitalized and receiving trauma care. Doctors say her condition has stabilized and she is expected to survive — an outcome many are calling nothing short of miraculous.
The Attack: What Investigators Know So Far
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the attack occurred inside the family’s residence in the early morning hours. Home surveillance footage, which authorities later reviewed, allegedly shows Gatlein picking up a large kitchen knife from the counter, then leading her daughter into a hallway just moments before the assault.
Deputies say that shortly after the attack, Gatlein called 911 herself, a chilling detail that has both perplexed and disturbed investigators. Emergency responders arrived within minutes to find the child bleeding profusely from multiple deep stab wounds to her torso, abdomen, and left arm.
The sheriff’s report notes that “the scene was indicative of a premeditated, targeted act of violence,” and deputies have since collected forensic evidence, including the knife, blood samples, and footage from multiple indoor cameras.
Medical Response and Recovery
The young girl was immediately rushed to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where a trauma team performed emergency surgery to stop internal bleeding and repair major tissue damage. According to lead trauma surgeon Dr. Evelyn Lopez:
“She arrived in critical condition, with multiple life-threatening wounds. We initiated emergency interventions within minutes. She’s a fighter, and thankfully, her body responded to treatment.”
Hospital staff report that the child has since regained consciousness and is receiving psychological support as well. A child psychologist has been assigned to help her process the trauma and begin healing.
️ Legal Charges and Jail Proceedings
Roshain Gatlein was arrested at the scene without resistance and taken to Palm Beach County Jail, where she remains in custody. She appeared before a judge for her first hearing on April 20, where prosecutors formally charged her with:
- Attempted first-degree murder
- Aggravated child abuse
- Use of a deadly weapon during a felony
The judge denied bond and issued a no-contact order between Gatlein and any minors, including her daughter. She is also prohibited from contacting any potential witnesses or individuals involved in the investigation.
Prosecutors have indicated they may seek the maximum sentence allowable under Florida law, citing the extreme violence and betrayal of parental trust.
🧠 Mental Health Concerns and Investigative Questions
Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive, though they confirmed that mental health evaluations are underway. Those close to the family described Gatlein as “quiet” and “sometimes withdrawn,” but say they never saw warning signs of violence.
Neighbors and community members are now asking whether there were previous indications of instability, and if anything could have been done to prevent the attack.
A former coworker of Gatlein’s told local media anonymously:
“She was private. I know she struggled sometimes, but no one expected this. You just can’t imagine something like this could happen to a little girl in her own home.”
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has opened an investigation to determine whether there were prior reports or concerns that were not addressed. Officials say they are reviewing past welfare checks, if any, and interviewing family members.
