02 February 2023 , 17:57
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A toddler has been rescued after being found sleeping next to his murdered pregnant mum.
The woman has since been identified as Alana Sims, who was five months pregnant with her second child, her family have said.
A murder investigation has been launched after the body of the 22-year-old was found shortly after 10pm on Monday, January 30, lying on the ground next to her Ford EcoSport SUV, with her son sleeping in the back.
The body had evidence of "upper body trauma" but the child was unharmed.
The car was parked in a New Tampa neighbourhood, Florida, US.
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Shahlevi Sims said her daughter loved being a mother to her young son.
In a fundraiser setup to raise money for a funeral, the grieving grandmother wrote: "Alana was a devoted mother who has a son who she loved very much."
Police at the scene in New Tampa, Florida, US (Tampa Police Department)While donating some money to support the family, one friend wrote: "I love you Alana, i wish this was a dream. I’m thinking of you mama Shahlevi, Im here anytime you need me and the family. I love you guys."
The boy is being looked after by his grandma.
She told Tamp Bay Times: “She no longer clubbed, she no longer went out to bars, she just loved spending time with her son."
She continued: “She would do anything for you, always going out of her way. She never said no.”
Police Chief Lee Bercaw said: “We don’t believe it was random and we’re following up on a lot of leads right now.
“The offense in itself is gutwrenching and I feel for the family and the community and even the officers who go out and respond to those types of calls.”
Tampa Police Department are urging anyone with information to come forward.
A statement read: "Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call the Tampa Police Department at 813-231-6130 or share a tip through TIP411, accessible through the TampaPD app."
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“We just hope for justice and a conclusion,” Sims said. “All we can do now is move forward.”