Authorities in Buncombe County are investigating the death of a two-month-old girl whose parents now face serious charges, according to newly released details from a search warrant. On Tuesday, June 28, Diandra Fuhr-Farlow, 28, called 911 after discovering her daughter, Riley Leshae Hannah Stephenson, unconscious and not breathing in her bassinet.
Emergency responders arrived at the home on Four Wheel Drive in Candler at around 5:20 p.m. They noted injuries on the child that raised concerns and immediately alerted sheriff’s deputies at the scene. Riley was transported to Mission Hospital later that evening, where she was pronounced dead.
She was found to be severely malnourished, with the search warrant stating her condition was “to the point where her skin was loose on her body.” Riley’s father, Nickolas Shane Stephenson, 33, has been charged with second-degree murder, child abuse, and inflicting serious bodily harm, according to local ABC affiliate WLOS.
He is being held in the Buncombe County Detention Center under a $500,000 bond. Fuhr-Farlow has been charged with neglect, child abuse, and inflicting serious bodily injury. She is being held on a $150,000 bond. The warrant also describes additional injuries. Riley had at least five burn marks on her face and the back of her head, as well as bruising across her nose and forehead.
When questioned, Fuhr-Farlow told investigators that Riley had struck her head on a faucet during a bath two weeks earlier. She said the burns were caused when she and Stephenson attempted to treat the injury by applying a hot cold pack. She also described an incident in which Riley briefly choked on a cap from a tube of Neosporin ointment while she was applying treatment.
Despite these explanations, investigators determined the baby’s injuries and condition were consistent with abuse and neglect. A sheriff’s sergeant on the scene reported that the evidence strongly suggested foul play. An autopsy for Riley was scheduled for Friday, July 1. Officials said the final results are still pending before additional comments can be made, the Asheville Citizen-Times reported.
Buncombe County Health and Human Services Director Stoney Blevins issued a statement offering condolences. “At this time, we want to extend our deepest condolences to the family of this child. Any loss of a child in our community is a loss for all of us,” the statement read. Blevins added that the department remains focused on child safety and encouraged residents to report any concerns of abuse or neglect by calling (828) 250-5900.