Heartbreaking Abandonment: Disabled Teen Left on Florida Highway by Parents

In a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, a disabled 17-year-old girl was found abandoned on the side of I-175 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Discovered by concerned motorists and subsequently by law enforcement, the teen was left with nothing but a suitcase, her wheelchair, and a chilling note from her parents stating they could no longer care for her.

The note, an attempt to justify an unthinkable act, claimed the girl was violent and a danger to herself and others.

However, the scene painted a starkly different picture: a vulnerable young woman, unable to speak clearly, left alone on a busy interstate.

Authorities quickly launched an investigation, identifying and apprehending the girl’s parents, Jorge and Malinda Carvajal. It was revealed that the couple had driven all the way from South Carolina with the sole purpose of abandoning their daughter in Florida.

Upon their arrest, the Carvajals admitted to their heinous actions, citing financial hardship and an inability to cope with their daughter's extensive care needs as their reasons. While the challenges of caring for a disabled child are immense, the decision to abandon one on a highway has been met with widespread condemnation.

The disabled teen, whose identity has been protected, was immediately taken into the care of Child Protective Services, where she is now receiving the support and protection she desperately needs.

Meanwhile, her parents, Jorge and Malinda Carvajal, have been charged with aggravated child abuse, a severe felony that carries significant penalties. This tragic case serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by disabled individuals and the profound responsibility of their caregivers.