Riviera Beach, FL – A Florida mother is now facing the death penalty after being accused of stomping her 7-year-old daughter to death in a horrific case that has drawn statewide outrage and scrutiny of child protective services.
Prosecutors Seek Capital Punishment
Naikishia Williams, 32, was indicted in June for the first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse of her daughter, Nia Williams, who died on April 28 in Riviera Beach. On Monday, the state filed a notice of its intent to seek capital punishment, citing several aggravating factors that qualify the case for the death penalty.
According to prosecutors, the murder was “especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel”, and committed in a “cold, calculated, and premeditated” manner. They also noted that Nia was under 12 years old and that Williams was in a position of familial and custodial authority over her daughter.
Years of Documented Abuse Ignored
An eight-page arrest affidavit revealed that abuse spanned years and began shortly after Nia’s birth. Williams reportedly left her at the hospital after delivery. Nia entered foster care for six months before being placed with Rebecca Finley and Whytni Walker, who also cared for Williams’ other children.
Child services reportedly returned custody of the children to Williams, despite repeated hospital visits for severe injuries. In April 2021, Nia suffered a broken femur and a head laceration. Later, she sustained a broken arm and burns from boiling water, yet Williams allegedly failed to provide proper treatment.
“There wasn’t one person who was not aware of this young lady being a dangerous mother,” said Finley in an interview with WPTV.
Final Days: Signs of Neglect and Pain
According to Nia’s teacher, the child had missed over 50 days of school and often arrived in dirty clothing, yet remained “brilliant and sweet.” On April 25, three days before her death, Nia appeared very ill, complaining of stomach pain and chills. The school nurse was unable to treat her due to Williams never signing a parental consent form.
Williams allegedly ignored calls from school staff that day. A sibling later told detectives that Nia had vomited black fluid at home and was in severe pain.
Brutal Beating Over Spilled Cereal
The affidavit paints a chilling picture of Nia’s final moments. After spilling cereal, Williams allegedly forced her to lie down and stomped on her stomach repeatedly, “like you stomp an ant.” She then made Nia clean up the mess, kicking her again when she didn’t move fast enough.
Despite Nia’s failing health, Williams allegedly forced her to clean the toilet, shower, kitchen sink, and straighten the couch.
On the day of Nia’s death, Williams reportedly waited four hours before calling 911 after her daughter was found barely breathing.
Graphic Medical Findings Confirm Abuse
Paramedics initially gave Nia Narcan, believing she may have overdosed. However, doctors found no medication in her system. Instead, they discovered:
- A lacerated liver
- Renal failure
- Detached intestines
- Over half her body’s blood supply pooled in her stomach
Nia was pronounced dead at 11:15 p.m., and her death was ruled a homicide.
Family Demands Accountability
Rebecca Finley and Whytni Walker, who raised Nia for several years, have vowed to fight for justice.
“We can never get her smile back,” Walker told WPTV.
“She should have been in jail a long time ago,” Finley added.
They claim they had repeatedly warned child protection services, including a report just two weeks before Nia’s death, but no action was taken.
Williams is scheduled to appear in court again on August 13.
Do you believe the system failed Nia? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments. Visit latestsports.online to follow more updates on this case.
