Florida – A Florida woman has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated chiId abuse following the death of her child, Nla, earlier this year at their home in Florida. The indictment specifies that the 7-year-old child died from bIunt force trauma to the abdomen, leading to a Iacerated Iiver and internal bIeeding. The 32-year-old parent, N. WiIIiams, was arrested last week and remains in custody at the county jail without bond.
The investigation into the child’s death revealed a history of abuse and negIect. Medical records indicated repeated trauma-related fractures and burns, including a broken Iimb in 2021 and multiple burn marks from boiling water in 2022. Former caregivers Rebeka and Whitney, who had temporary custody of the victim and her siblings, reported that the children suffered years of physical abuse and abandonment by their parent. They expressed their grief and frustration, stating that their attempts to reach out to the Department of Children and Families yielded no action.
The victim’s teachers and school nurses also observed signs of distress. She frequently missed school and appeared in visible distress before her death. On April 25, the child came to school very sick, could not keep her head up in class, and vomited in the cafeteria. She complained of severe stomach pains and said she was cold. However, due to missing parental consent forms, the school nurse was unable to examine her.
A report from the Department of Children and Families dated April 2 noted visible injuries on the child and her siblings, raising concerns that were ultimately not acted upon in time. A DCF case worker had previously documented concerns about potential abuse and warned that “the mother is going to end up taking one of her children’s lives.”
The case has drawn attention to potential failures within the child welfare system. Legal experts have described the victim’s case as absolutely one of the most egregious they have ever encountered, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the need for reform in child protection services.
The defendant is scheduled for a first appearance in court. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community continues to seek justice for the 7-year-old child and answers regarding the systemic failures that may have contributed to her tragic death.