Why did she do it?

A Lake Wales mother called 911 and told the operator she committed an inconceivable act. Investigators say the woman admitted to chaining her 7-year-old son's hands together as he slept and began stabbing him with a steak knife.

The stabbing has Maisa Alvarez' neighbors in the Highland Crest subdivision reeling. They say nothing seemed unusual about the family.

"She never said a mean word or anything," said Margrit McCown, of the Highland Crest Neighborhood Association. "She was friendly, and she waved all the time."

Alvarez and her husband moved here from Brazil a number of years ago so he could work at a Brazilian-owned orange juice processing plant in Lake Wales. He was not at home when his son was stabbed.

Investigators say they found a gruesome scene at the home, with blood over the woman and child, the bed and floor.

The Deputy Chief of the Lake Wales Police Department says Alvarez was calm during the interview.

"There were no emotions, almost a blank, lost look on her face," said Deputy Chief Trey Schultz.

Alvarez has been charged with child abuse.

The 7-year-old, whose name is not being released, was flown to an Orlando hospital. According to police, he is talking and expected to recover.

Alvarez is expected to make her first appearance Wednesday.