Mom defies court order; leaves shelter with child

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 6, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG -- Police are searching for a woman who violated a Pinellas County court order by leaving a spouse abuse shelter with her 21/2-year-old daughter.

Amber McMullin, 28, who suffers from schizophrenia and has a history of crack cocaine use, left the shelter with her daughter, Skylar, at 3:30 p.m. Friday, said Detective Joe Dente.

"They haven't been seen since," he said.

They have no money or transportation, Dente said. Police are concerned the mother might fall into old patterns of drug use or dancing at strip clubs.

"We're asking the public if they can keep an eye out," Dente said.

Police say McMullin is divorced and has had recent disagreements with her ex-husband. She was ordered into an undisclosed shelter in St. Petersburg on Friday. Police do not know why McMullin left.

On Monday, the court ordered the state to take her daughter into protective custody.

"Hopefully, we'll be able to get this kid back in one piece and good," Dente said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Dente at (727) 893-4114.

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