Candler, NC – A 37-year-old North Carolina man has been sentenced to decades in prison after beating, starving, and burning his 12-week-old daughter, authorities report. The infant suffered extreme abuse, leaving her “skin loose on her body,” before succumbing to her injuries.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
Nickolas Shane Stephenson was found guilty of second-degree murder and felony child abuse in the death of his daughter, Riley Stephenson, according to the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office. On Friday, a judge sentenced him to between 27 and 34½ years in prison.
The jury opted for the lesser second-degree murder charge instead of first-degree murder.
“The evidence in this case was extremely graphic. We are grateful to the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence, which has held Stephenson accountable for the heartless cruelty he inflicted on this most vulnerable and innocent child,” said District Attorney Todd Williams.
Abuse and Neglect Details
Prosecutors said Stephenson caused Riley’s death through torture, abuse, neglect, and malnutrition in 2022. Riley’s mother, 32-year-old Diandra Fuhr-Farlow, previously pleaded guilty to felony child abuse and testified against Stephenson during the trial.
First responders arrived at the 10 block of Four Wheel Drive in Candler around 2:30 p.m. on June 28, 2022, following a 911 call reporting that Riley was unresponsive in her crib.
According to reports, Riley appeared emaciated “to the point where her skin was loose on her body,” with visible bruises and burns to her face.
She was rushed to Mission Hospital on Biltmore Avenue, but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries later that evening.
Injuries Sustained
Medical examinations revealed multiple severe injuries:
- Five separate burn marks on her head and face
- Fractured left collarbone
- Multiple broken ribs
- Fractured right arm
- Dehydration
- Extreme underweight condition and florid pneumonia
According to charging documents, Stephenson physically abused Riley, striking and intentionally burning the infant. Fuhr-Farlow neglected Riley, leaving her in a critically injured state.
Mother’s Testimony and Autopsy Findings
Fuhr-Farlow initially told investigators that injuries were accidental, caused by a bathtub incident and attempts to treat with hot/cold packs and Neosporin. Later, she revealed to investigators that Stephenson had physically abused Riley, including dangling her by her feet and shaking her until she cried, and that she had witnessed him choking the infant at least once.
The autopsy report issued in December 2022 noted that Riley had almost no nourishment or medication in her system, and had not been eating for several days before her death.
Authorities’ Statement and Community Response
Authorities emphasized the severity of the case and the vulnerability of the victim.
“This tragic death highlights the extreme consequences of child abuse and neglect. We urge parents and guardians to report suspected abuse immediately,” officials said.
Key Takeaways
- Stephenson sentenced: 27–34½ years for second-degree murder and felony child abuse
- Victim: 12-week-old Riley Stephenson
- Abuse involved: Starvation, beatings, burns, broken bones, dehydration
- Mother pleaded guilty: Felony child abuse; testified against Stephenson
This case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of child abuse and the importance of vigilance by both families and authorities.
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