HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The grandmother of a 3-year-old Hillsborough County girl says her family is still struggling to understand how someone they trusted is now accused of killing the toddler.
"We were always nice. She never showed any sign of being abusive or mean," Karen Figgs told Tampa Bay 28's Chad Mills. "It was just a shock for all of us."
WATCH: 'She was our angel': Family remembers 3-year-old after caretaker charged with murder
According to the family, Ka'mora Figgs, 3, died on April 25 after being taken to HCA Florida Brandon Hospital with what the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office described as several inflicted injuries. Karen Figgs said the family was told Ka'mora suffered blunt force trauma and internal bleeding.
Investigators say the child was in the care of 29-year-old Grace Wingate at the time.
The State Attorney's Office of the 13th Judicial Circuit said Wingate is accused of beating the 3-year-old to death inside her Brandon apartment on Quails Nest Drive.
According to Ka'mora's family, Wingate had been dating the child's mother for about a year. They said Ka'mora's mother left the little girl in Wingate's care while she went to an appointment and never imagined something like this could happen.
The Medical Examiner ruled Ka'mora's death a homicide.
On July 16, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested Wingate on charges of first-degree murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse, aggravated child abuse, and child neglect causing great bodily harm.
During a Friday court hearing, a judge ordered Wingate held without bond.
"This is a heartbreaking and disturbing case. A child lost her life at the hands of the person entrusted to protect her," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "We will not tolerate violence against anyone in our community, especially innocent children, and we will work relentlessly with the State Attorney's Office to ensure she faces the maximum consequences the law allows."
Karen Figgs said her granddaughter loved to sing and dance. She loved Ms. Rachel, Minnie Mouse, and the color yellow. She described Ka'mora as a smart little girl with a larger-than-life personality.
“She is our angel. She is our angel,” Karen Figgs said. “I’m expecting her to be home when I get home, or look for my 3:30 phone calls when my daughter goes to pick her up from daycare. I don’t get those anymore.”
The family says they now hope Wingate receives the maximum punishment allowed under the law.
A GoFundMe has been established to help the Figgs family with expenses.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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