A Riviera Beach mother has been arrested and charged with murder following the tragic death of her 7-year-old daughter, Nia Williams, earlier this year, as earlier reported by Menz Mag.
Naikishia L. Williams, 31, was taken into custody early Friday morning and booked into the Palm Beach County jail after a grand jury indicted her on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse.
The investigation began on April 28, when officers responded to a call reporting an unresponsive child at a residence in the 1500 block of West 15th Street. Emergency personnel transported Nia to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
According to police, the child’s death was later determined to be a homicide. The indictment revealed that Nia died as a result of blunt force trauma to the abdomen. Williams appeared in Palm Beach County court on Friday, where a judge granted prosecutors’ request to deny bond.
Nia’s death has sparked outrage and heartbreak in the local community. Speaking to WPTV, godmother Whytni Walker and caretaker Rebecca Finley shared their grief and frustration.
“We can never get her smile back. We can never talk to her again,” Walker said, reflecting on the vibrant young girl. Finley described Nia as “brilliant” and a “fashionista” who loved makeup. Both women were present in court on Friday as Williams faced the judge.
“She caused the death,” Finley told WPTV. “That’s why she’s arrested, and it was definitely abuse.” The indictment came two months after Nia’s passing, raising questions about how long red flags may have been ignored.
“She should have been in jail a long time ago,” Finley added. Walker shared that she contacted the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in early April—just 12 days before Nia’s death—to report concerns about the children’s condition, describing them as “very malnourished.”
“There wasn’t one person who was not aware of this young lady being a dangerous mother,” Finley said, voicing frustration that earlier intervention didn’t take place. Now, through their heartbreak, Finley and Walker are seeking justice.
“I’m guaranteeing she’s saying, ‘Auntie, tell them everything. Don’t forget anything,’” Finley said, determined to be Nia’s voice moving forward. Finley also confirmed that Williams’ other children are currently safe and being cared for.
Attempts by WPTV to reach the Department of Children and Families for comment have not yet been successful. Authorities are expected to release further details on the case Monday.