MyFox Orlando interviewed Julie and William Godwin, the parents of three-week-old Shanna Godwin (below), who was killed by Salmonella Pomona in Feb. 2007. The same Salmonella Pomona was found in a pet turtle in the home.
William Godwin was quoted as saying,
"I felt really bad because I brought them home. I would have never brought them home if I would have known that, she didn’t have a chance."
The Godwin’s said their friends bought the turtles at a flea market. And while they’ve hired a lawyer to help with their complaint against that flea market, Julie says this is not about a legal claim, it’s about getting the word out to all parents.
“I think parents should know that they can make your kids sick and are deadly," she said. ”They should know before they bring them home.”
Since 1975 the sale of turtles with a shell less than 4 inches long is illegal. They can only be sold for scientific, educational or exhibition purposes.