SUMTER COUNTY, FL -- The Medical Examiner's office in Sumter County says preliminary autopsy reports show the 2-year-old girl killed by a python Wednesday died of asphyxiation.
Officials said they also found several bite marks on Shaiunna Hare's body. They also mentioned they are doing a toxicology test and results showed be available in 4-6 weeks.
The incident occurred in a home in the 1500 block of County Road 466 near Oxford, a rural community west of Lady Lake.
The snake's owner, who is the boyfriend of the girl's mother, told deputies he put the snake, a family pet, in a cage Tuesday night. When he woke up Wednesday morning around 9:30, he found the snake in the bed on top of the girl, according to authorities.
The owner discovered a bite mark on the girl and then repeatedly stabbed the snake.
The python, as well as a 6-foot boa constrictor, were removed from the house Wednesday afternoon. The python is alive, and authorities will determine if the snake can survive the stab wounds.
The victim has been identified at Shaiunna Hare. Her mother is identified as 23-year-old Jaren Ashley Hare. Hare's boyfriend is Charles Jason Darnell. The snake, an 8-foot albino Burmese python, belonged to him.
There are two other children older than the victim that live in the house.
Hare and Darnell were questioned most of the day Wednesday. Officials learned Darnell has no permit for the burmese python. Florida Fish and Wildlife officials say that kind of python can get as long as 24-feet and must be housed in permitted facilities.
The Sheriff's office says charges could be filed but they must meet with the State Attorney's office first and that will happen after the July 4th weekend.
The Department of Children and Families is also investigating.
