Escaped pet python strangles girl

**Bogan** · 07-02-2009 04:29 AM

* Python escapes tank, gets into bedroom
* Girl, two, strangled, can't be revived
* Police investigating, but no charges yet

Tragedy ... authorities remove the snake from the home

A 2.4-METRE pet Burmese python has escaped from a glass enclosure and strangled a two-year-old girl in her bedroom.

US media reports say the snake's owner stabbed the creature as he tried to get it off Shaunnia Hare, but she was already dead when paramedics arrived.

A 911 emergency recording reveals how a sobbing resident of the Florida home sought help.

"The baby's dead! Our stupid snake got out in the middle of the night and strangled the baby."

Lt Bobby Caruthers of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office told The Associated Press the snake was owned by Charles Jason Darnell, 32, the boyfriend of Shaunnia's mother.

He reportedly discovered the snake was missing and then found it on the girl, who had bite marks to her head.

Mr Darnell has not been charged, but Lt Caruthers said investigators were looking into whether there was child neglect or if any other laws were broken.

The SunSentinel.com reported the python was a family pet that apparently broke free from a glass aquarium.

There was also a boa constrictor at the property, which is home to two other children.