Mother Arrested After She Allegedly Killed Her Daughter With A Single Punch To The Stomach

A Florida woman, Naikishia L. Williams, 32, has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly causing the death of her seven-year-old daughter, Nia, in April 2025.

According to a grand jury indictment issued on Thursday, June 26, the child died from blunt force trauma to the abdomen. The autopsy revealed severe internal injuries, including a lacerated liver and internal bleeding.

Police in Riviera Beach responded to a call about an unresponsive child at approximately 8:01 p.m. on April 28 at a residence on 1501 West 15th Street, West Palm Beach. Prior to the incident, other caregivers had reportedly raised concerns with child protection authorities regarding the child’s safety.

Nia was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.

Following a two-month investigation, her mother, Naikishia L. Williams, was arrested on the morning of Friday, June 27. She was taken into custody and booked into Palm Beach County Jail.

During her initial court appearance that same day, the judge ordered that she be held without bail. In addition to the murder charge, Williams is also facing a charge of aggravated child abuse.

Nia’s former caretaker, Rebecca Finley, shared heartfelt memories of the child, describing her as “golden” and a true “fashionista.” Finley appeared alongside Nia’s godmother, Whytni Walker, in an interview with WPTV.

“We can never get her smile back. We can never talk to her again.”

Riviera Beach Police Chief Michael Coleman stated that the entire community felt the weight of the loss, emphasizing the deep impact Nia’s death had on everyone.

“The de@th of an innocent child is never normal. It’s hard for us to even fathom. The community has been traumatised. My department has been traumatised,” Det. Coleman said.

Both Ms Finley and Ms Walker have been listed as witnesses in the case summary filed by the Riviera Beach Police Department.

Under Florida law, a conviction for first-degree murder requires the prosecution to prove that the act was committed with premeditated intent.

If Naikishia L. Williams is found guilty, she could face either the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 28.

Ms Walker and Ms Finley confirmed that Williams’ three other children are currently being cared for by other family members.