A Florida mother, Naikishia L. Williams, 32, has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of her seven-year-old daughter, Nia, who died from injuries allegedly inflicted by her mother.

According to a grand jury indictment issued on Thursday, June 26, Nia died from blunt force trauma to the abdomen. The autopsy revealed a lacerated liver and internal bleeding, consistent with being struck in the stomach.

The incident occurred on April 28, when police in Riviera Beach responded to a call about an unresponsive child at a residence on 1501 West 15th Street, West Palm Beach, at approximately 8:01 p.m. Nia was rushed to St. Mary’s Medical Center but was later pronounced dead.

Williams was arrested on the morning of Friday, June 27, following a two-month investigation and is currently being held without bail at Palm Beach County Jail. In addition to the murder charge, she also faces a count of aggravated child abuse.

Court records indicate that other caregivers had previously raised concerns with child protection authorities about Nia’s safety prior to the incident.

During her first court appearance, a judge ruled that Williams would remain in custody. Under Florida law, a conviction for first-degree murder requires proof of premeditated intent, and carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without parole or the death sentence.

Nia’s former caregiver, Rebecca Finley, described the young girl as a joyful, fashion-loving child.

“Her memories are golden. She was a little fashionista,” Finley said.

Whytni Walker, Nia’s godmother, also spoke to WPTV alongside Finley, saying:

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

Riviera Beach Police Chief Michael Coleman expressed deep sorrow over the loss:

“The death 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.”

Both Finley and Walker are listed as witnesses in the case summary compiled by Riviera Beach Police Department.

Williams' next court appearance is scheduled for July 28, while her three remaining children are currently in the care of other family members.