In May of 2021, detectives with the Panama City Police Department were notified by the Department of Children and Families of an abuse report filed alleging medical neglect of a 9-year-old child.

Detectives met with DCF investigators and were made aware of a series of medical records associated with the child and information obtained validated the abuse report. DCF investigators were able to quickly intervene, sheltering the child to prevent any further abuse while the investigation continued.

Over the last month, PCPD detectives have combed through years of records and obtained a search warrant on the suspects’ primary residence. On June 23, 2021, 49-year-old Terri Lynn Manning of Panama City was arrested for child abuse by willful torture in the form of starvation, child abuse resulting in mental injury and child abuse by aggravated battery.

Through the investigation, detectives learned that Manning gained custody of the child approximately 8 years ago and that the child had been starved for the duration of her life. In addition, Manning took the child to multiple doctors and specialists where she misled them of the child’s condition.

As a result of the starvation and false information given to medical professionals, the child was subjected to many invasive medical procedures and surgeries.

Over the time span of several years, Manning also caused the child to believe that she had medical issues that were in fact fabrications. A specialist evaluated the child and determined that the ongoing acts of abuse resulted in mental injury, as defined by Florida Statute.

Manning was first appeared on June 24th and ordered held on a $1 million bond.

Since the child’s removal from Manning’s care, there has been significant improvement in her health and she continues to recover.

Anyone having information in this case is urged to call the Panama City Police Department at 850-872-3100, or they can report tips anonymously via smartphone by downloading the “Panama City PD” Tip411 app from the iOS or Google Play stores.

Alert sent on 06/24/2021 at 4:39PM EDT

To submit a tip via text message text PCPDTIP and your tip to 847411

Alert delivered to the following groups: Panama City Police Department, Business Alerts, and Press Releases

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