Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is drafting articles of impeachment against a Miami judge who acquitted a mother of killing her 15-month-old daughter despite the woman’s admission to drowning the child in a bathtub.
Judge Acquits Admitted Killer by Insanity
Miami-Dade Judge Miguel Manuel de la O found Precious Bland, 43, not guilty of aggravated manslaughter and first-degree attempted murder by reason of insanity on Tuesday. Bland had admitted to drowning her daughter Emii on August 23, 2021, while ranting about COVID-19 killing everyone and Christ’s imminent return. After drowning the toddler, Bland stabbed her husband in the head and neck when he tried to save the infant, slashed her stepdaughter, and cut her own wrists.
The bench trial ruling prompted immediate backlash from state Republican leadership. Uthmeier declared Thursday that impeachment proceedings are warranted, stating his office will work with legislators who support removing de la O from the bench. Governor Ron DeSantis joined the call, tweeting that it is time for the Florida House to fulfill its constitutional duty.
Constitutional Impeachment Process Begins
Under Florida law, the House can impeach a circuit court judge for misdemeanor in office with a two-thirds vote. Once impeached, the judge is immediately disqualified from performing official duties until the Senate completes a trial. The governor may appoint a replacement during this period. Bland had been initially charged with murder, two counts of attempted second-degree murder, and two counts of aggravated child abuse following the 2021 incident.
According to police reports reviewed by Court TV, Bland’s husband told officers his wife had been obsessed with baptizing the family in the bathtub and convinced COVID would kill them all. Bland spent four years in jail and additional time on house arrest awaiting trial before Judge de la O’s controversial acquittal decision.
Statewide Call for Judicial Accountability
Uthmeier expanded his criticism beyond this single case, declaring on social media that America needs to start impeaching judges nationwide. The attorney general’s stance reflects growing frustration among conservatives regarding judicial decisions that appear to prioritize technicalities over justice for victims. A spokeswoman for the 11th Judicial Circuit declined comment, citing judicial ethics canons regarding pending cases. The impeachment process now moves to the Republican-controlled Florida House, where legislative leaders will determine whether to advance the articles against Judge de la O.