Florida – A Florida man and woman were arrested in connection with the death of 1-year-old child. The charges against 20-year-old ZayIa and her 23-year-old partner NathanieI were upgraded following a comprehensive investigation that unveiled disturbing details about the child’s condition and circumstances leading to her death.
On September 10, 2024, officers responded to a medical emergency at the family’s residence and upon arrival, they found the 1-year-old child unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. Paramedics transported her to the Children’s Hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, the child passed away one week later.
During the investigation, detectives uncovered evidence of severe physical abuse. The child sustained multiple injuries, including fractures to both legs and her left arm, ligature marks around her neck, and extensive bruising and scratches across her body. Additionally, the medical examiner’s report revealed that the victim had meth in her system at the time of her death.
The child’s mom and her partner provided statements regarding the events leading up to the child’s hospitalization. The mother claimed that she found her daughter face down and unresponsive on their bedroom mattress, prompting her boyfriend to administer CPR. However, further investigation contradicted this account, revealing evidence of prolonged abuse and neglect.
A thorough search of the residence yielded additional incriminating evidence. Investigators found bloody blankets near the child’s bed, bloody diapers in the trash, and numerous bloody bandages. Furthermore, meth and drug paraphernalia were discovered, indicating drug use within the household. In addition to bruising and scratching over the entire body, the child also showed signs of being se-ually abused.
The victim’s mom also told investigators that her child had fallen while her boyfriend, Her partner was giving her a bath about a week earlier. Although she didn’t witness the fall herself, she explained that her partner told her the child had fallen backward, then stood up before falling forward. According to the mother, her daughter had difficulty walking afterward, but she hadn’t noticed any concerning bruising or injuries before then.
Just one day before the child became unresponsive, her lips became very red and swollen, the mother told investigators. Initially thinking it was an allergic reaction, the woman administered medicine, but it didn’t seem to help. She noted that her child had difficulty eating and drinking due to the swelling and pain in her mouth.
Initially, both defendants (SEE PHOTO) faced child neglect charges. However, as more details emerged, their charges were upgraded. The mother was charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child, while her partner faced first-degree murder, two counts of se-ual battery, aggravated child abuse, and tampering with evidence. A grand jury subsequently indicted the man on first-degree murder charges.
A witness, who was residing in the home with the couple, informed authorities in Florida that when she questioned the mother about the injuries on her child, especially why the child seemed unable to walk, the parent claimed that the injuries were the result of the 1-year-old falling in the bathtub a week prior.
The case has elicited strong reactions from the community, with many expressing grief and outrage over the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. A GoFundMe campaign and social media initiatives have been established to honor her memory and seek justice.