Alleged Murder Attempt: Family Vacation Turns Dark

A British tourist’s alleged attempt to drown his daughter-in-law in a Florida pool was stopped by the extraordinary bravery of a 9-year-old girl, raising urgent questions about family safety and the vigilance of bystanders in today’s America.

Story Snapshot

A 9-year-old girl intervened to stop her grandfather from allegedly drowning her mother at a Florida resort.
The accused, a British national, was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder and battery.
The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of family violence, even in vacation settings.
Rapid police response and bystander intervention proved critical in preventing tragedy.

Child’s Heroism Thwarts Alleged Crime at Family Resort

On August 3, 2025, at the Solterra Resort in Davenport, Florida, a family vacation turned into a harrowing ordeal when Mark Raymond Gibbon, a 62-year-old British tourist, allegedly tried to drown his 33-year-old daughter-in-law during a heated argument concerning his grandchildren. The situation escalated rapidly in the resort’s swimming pool as Gibbon reportedly forced the woman’s head underwater multiple times. In a remarkable act of courage, the victim’s 9-year-old daughter jumped into the pool, risking her safety to help her mother. The intervention of this child, combined with the actions of alert neighbors, ensured the violence did not become fatal.

Brave 9‑Year‑Old Girl Risks It All to Pull Mom From Pool During Shocking Attempted Drowning, Police Say via @WestJournalism https://t.co/DCDjV9ALJB

— Fran Leard (@LeardFran96780) August 10, 2025

Neighbors—two sisters visiting from Ohio—witnessed the struggle and threatened to call the police, prompting Gibbon to stop. Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene shortly after being called around 5:19 pm. Gibbon was arrested on charges of attempted second-degree murder and battery, underscoring the seriousness with which law enforcement approached the case. The victim and her daughter were reported safe, suffering no major physical injuries, but the trauma of the experience remains a pressing concern for the family and the wider community.

Setting and Unusual Circumstances of the Event

The Solterra Resort, a gated vacation community popular with international tourists, became the unexpected backdrop for this rare and alarming incident. Family disputes, especially those involving grandparental rights or custody, can become contentious, but attempted murder in such a context is highly unusual. The cross-national element—Gibbon as a British citizen and the involvement of visiting witnesses from Ohio—adds complexity. The event stands out not only for the violence itself but for the decisive and selfless intervention by a minor, disrupting the traditional adult power dynamic in moments of crisis.

Law enforcement, led by Sheriff Grady Judd, quickly took control of the situation, emphasizing the non-negotiable expectations for visitor behavior and the importance of community vigilance. The incident has drawn significant media attention in both the United States and the United Kingdom due to the involvement of a foreign national and the heroism displayed by a child. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office’s swift response highlights the importance of immediate action and robust emergency protocols in protecting families and upholding public safety.

Legal, Social, and Policy Implications for American Families

The case’s short-term impact includes trauma for the victim and her daughter and legal proceedings for Gibbon, who remains in custody awaiting trial. In the long term, this event could prompt vacation rental operators to reevaluate their security protocols to better protect guests from domestic violence risks. It also increases public awareness of the potential for family violence even in settings typically associated with relaxation and safety. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and personal responsibility in defending one’s family—values at the heart of the American conservative ethos.

Experts in law enforcement and child psychology stress the rarity of such interventions by children but highlight the necessity for trauma-informed care and support for young witnesses who experience violence. Legal analysts point out the complexities of prosecuting foreign nationals in the U.S., while domestic violence researchers note that high-stress environments, like family vacations, can quickly escalate disputes.