The father of a Bushnell toddler who died after a pet python slithered into her crib is suing the Florida Department of Children for wrongful death, according to a lawsuit.

Joseph Gilkerson is suing the state on behalf of his daughter, Shaiunna Hare, who died in 2009.

The complaint claims that the DCF received a complaint in May 2009 that the toddler's mother, Jaren Hare, and her boyfriend, Charles "Jason" Darnell were not properly caring for his daughter.

According to the complaint, a DCF investigator visited the Sumter County home and saw the 8-foot snake in an aquarium.  Gilkerson claims the state should have removed his daughter from the home. 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission inspects captive pythons to ensure they are safely and adequately penned, but wildlife officials were not contacted, Gilkerson says.

On July 1, 2009, the snake escaped from its container and slithered into the child's crib, wrapped itself around her and asphyxiated her, according to investigators.

Last August, Jaren Hare and Darnel were convicted of manslaughter and child neglect.  They were sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Gilkerson is seeking in excess of $15,000 for mental anguish.

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