South Florida

South Florida Mom Accused of Leaving Child in Liquor Store

A South Florida woman is accused of leaving her 3-year-old daughter inside a liquor store while she went with her boyfriend to dispose of a handgun after he shot himself in the leg.

Broward Judge John "Jay" Hurley set a $2,000 bond for 28-year-old Stefanie Felicia Stern and appointed a guardian for her daughter during a first-appearance hearing on Wednesday.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports Stern and 34-year-old Reginald Leon Lee were in the store Dec. 22 when the boyfriend started arguing with a customer. Lee chased the man out of the store and while fumbling with his pants, shot himself.

Police say the pair ran to hide the gun, leaving the little girl alone.

Stern was arrested Tuesday and it's unclear whether she has a lawyer.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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