My name is Dana Mulray, and I am asking for help on behalf of my step-sister, Alaina Melendez, her husband Samuel, and their two young children, Isaiah and Eliani. Our family has been turned upside down by a situation we never could have imagined.
In September, Alaina brought her 2-month-old daughter Eliani to the hospital because she cried whenever her leg was touched. As a concerned and attentive mother, she sought medical help. Initial imaging did not show obvious issues, but Eliani was transferred to All Children's St Pete for further orthopedic evaluation.
That is when doctors discovered multiple fractures in different stages of healing, along with a bone infection and other medical concerns. There were no visible signs of trauma—no bruising, swelling, or external injuries. Everyone in our family who had been around Eliani was shocked and confused.
Instead of answers, Alaina was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse.
Our family firmly believes this is a medical misdiagnosis or an undiagnosed underlying condition, not abuse. Alaina herself has leg length hypertrophy. A genetic condition that can cause all sorts of bone growth issues.
Before this incident, Eliani has already seen multiple specialist and was in the process of being evaluated for possible genetic and metabolic disorders. From birth, there were concerns:
- She struggled to feed and was inconsolable
- Her newborn bloodwork came back abnormal
- Doctors suspected possible metabolic or genetic conditions
- A genetics appointment had already been scheduled
Alaina was actively advocating for her daughter—attending appointments, researching possible conditions, and doing everything a loving mother should do. Despite this, she now faces the unimaginable.
Her children were removed and are currently with our parents. The State of Florida has moved to terminate their parental rights—before critical medical evaluations could even be completed. The State offered Alaina a deal that if she stopped pursuing visits for Eliani, the state would allow her to visit Isaiah.
To make matters worse:
- Key individuals, including myself and Alaina’s father—both of whom had access to Eliani—were not interviewed. Alaina’s father had been staying with the family for two weeks and left the day Eliani was taken to the hospital.
- An independent child abuse medical expert reviewed Eliani’s records and concluded that this is not an abuse case, but rather medically related.
- The State has taken the position that Alaina must have injured Eliani in some sort of episode of post-partum depression, despite zero evidence to support that, let alone Alaina was never diagnosed with post-partum
- A crucial genetic appointment for Eliani was unexpectedly canceled by an unknown source.
Meanwhile, Isaiah has been evaluated and found to be completely healthy, with no signs of abuse or neglect. Alaina currently has NO visitation with Eliani and only 1 hour minimum supervised time with her son in a visitation center. However Sam has supervised visitation with both children at our parents home.
The state appointed volunteers, Guardian ad Litems, assigned to the case conduct monthly visits. At times, their behavior has been inappropriate and concerning. In one particularly serious incident, a volunteer assigned to the case undressed Eli (including diaper) without notifying our parents on what they were doing. This same volunteer kissed the children on multiple occasions and has NOT been removed from the case. The volunteers are combative when it comes to our protection of the children such not allowing naked pictures of the kids on their personal cell phones.
Alaina is a loving mother, a devoted wife, and someone who believes in nurturing environments and gentle parenting. They have no prior criminal record and no prior history of child abuse or involvement with DCF. Watching Sam and Alaina fight for their children while being separated from them has been heartbreaking.
We are raising funds to help cover:
- Legal representation and court costs
- Medical experts and second opinions
- Ongoing case-related expenses
Every donation helps us continue this fight. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing our story.
Our goal is simple: to reunite our family and ensure the truth is fully uncovered.
Thank you for standing with us during this incredibly difficult time.
With gratitude,
Dana Mulray