A former Florida Department of Children and Families employee has been arrested after allegedly abusing her 13-year-old adopted daughter, who was later found dead.

Diane Natasha Mack, 34, a former guardian ad litem and employee of the Florida Department of Children and Families, reportedly called the police to report the death of her adopted daughter after finding her “unresponsive” on the floor of their home in the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring golf and recreation community early on Friday morning.

Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman described the crime scene as one of the most disturbing in his 30 years of law enforcement, stating that the circumstances of the child’s life were a nightmare.

Upon investigation, authorities found the girl deceased, wearing only a diaper, and showing clear signs of abuse and neglect. The sheriff confirmed the child was severely malnourished and had numerous wounds in various stages of healing, including open lacerations.

Further investigation revealed the child had likely been confined in the garage before her death, with evidence suggesting she had been strapped to the garage door and observed via a security camera.

Before calling 911, Mack is accused of attempting to destroy evidence using pool chlorine and driving away several other children who lived in the home.

Mack faces charges including first-degree murder, child abuse, kidnapping, and evidence tampering.

Sheriff Blackman expressed his outrage, emphasizing the duty of parents to protect their children and the shock that someone who once worked to safeguard children could treat her own daughter in such a horrific manner.

Mack is currently being held at the Highlands County Jail without bail.