After nearly two decades, Florida investigators account they have solved a cold case murder involving the death of a 2-year-old girl. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office stated on Friday that Mary Liza Mansker, 37, had been arrested in California for allegedly killing her daughter, Marselina A. Liza, in Niceville in December 2002.
Captain investigator David Allen of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said he and his team had never abandoned the case, which had always been classified a homicide, and decided to go back and look at all the material again in the hopes of gaining a new perspective. According to Allen, why don’t they brought the case back to the forensic pathologist and determine what they think since there could have been a mistake and they need a new set of eyes on it. The medical examiner’s office concurred after a comprehensive reevaluation.
OSCO Investigators Taking A Fresh Look Of The Incident’s Case Files (Photo: YouTube)
Child Died Due To Shaken Baby Syndrome
Marselina’s remains were autopsied in April, and the cause of death was ruled to be shaken baby syndrome, which typically occurs when a parent or caregiver aggressively shocks a newborn or toddler due to exasperation or anger – often because the child won’t stop crying, according to The Mayo Clinic. The shaking causes the child’s brain to move back and forth inside the skull, which frequently results in brain bruising, swelling, and bleeding.
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Capt. David Allen said they were able to submit an arrest warrant for felony murder on the mother based on the evidence and new interviews. As it happened in 2002, almost 20 years ago, Mansker was undoubtedly taken aback when they arrived to pick her up for her daughter’s death.
Mansker Told Investigators She Blacked Out
According to WMBB-TV in Florida, at the time of Marselina’s death way back in 2oo2, Mansker told investigators that she had blacked out and had no idea how the girl died. However, during their subsequent investigation, OCSO investigators questioned many witnesses who stated that Mansker had a “bad temper” and had no prior history of suffering blackouts.
Mansker, who moved to California after her daughter died, was apprehended by Yuba County Sheriff’s deputies. According to online records, she is currently being held without bond at the Yuba County Jail under the name Mary Jean Liza.
She will be extradited back to Okaloosa County, where she will face at least one murder charge, according to authorities. Sheriff Eric Aden stated that OCSO investigators are dedicated to doing the extra work required to solve cold cases.
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