AceShowbiz - A Florida mother is accused of murdering her young daughter in a violent stabbing at their home. April Oliva, 40, allegedly attacked her 6-year-old daughter, Valerie, with a kitchen knife inside their Milton residence on the evening of Tuesday, February 24, according to an arrest report.

The incident came to light after April Oliva's sister "received a disturbing phone call" from her. The sister reported that April Oliva "was not making much sense, making comments about evil spirits" and said "something bad happened." The sister stayed on the line while having a roommate call their father.

April Oliva's father arrived at the home after midnight on Wednesday, February 25. He entered and found his daughter and granddaughter "covered in blood" in the kitchen. He observed that Valerie's body was "lifeless." When Santa Rosa County Sheriff's deputies arrived, they found April Oliva "in the kitchen laying on top of Valerie's body."

Authorities discovered blood stains throughout the home, including bloody footprints, with the most significant amount concentrated in the kitchen. A knife was located in the dining room, below a kitchen island. "It was quickly determined Valerie was deceased and had sustained deep lacerations to her neck exposing tissue and bone," the arrest report states. The report notes the child had suffered more than 20 stab wounds and cuts.

April Oliva was also injured, with "lacerations to her neck and abdomen." She was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. At the hospital, she asked for an attorney. It was not immediately clear if she had retained legal counsel.

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office issued a news release on February 25 confirming an arrest warrant charging April Oliva with murder in connection with her daughter's death. At the time of the release, she was still being treated at the hospital. "The investigation remains active and ongoing," the sheriff's office said. "This is a deeply tragic case, and our thoughts are with all those affected."

Valerie's father informed investigators he had been out of town during the alleged attack. He stated he had spoken with his wife, April Oliva, around 7 p.m. on the evening of the stabbing and that no one else had been inside the home with her and Valerie. A potential motive for the alleged crime is not yet known. The sheriff's office said additional information would be released as it becomes available.