A mother from Riviera Beach has been arrested and charged with the murder of her 7-year-old daughter, Nia Williams, following a months-long investigation into the child’s death earlier this year.
Naikishia L. Williams, 31, was taken into custody early Friday morning and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail. Her arrest follows a grand jury indictment on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse.
The case began on April 28 when police responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child at a residence on the 1500 block of West 15th Street. Emergency personnel transported Nia to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Following an investigation, authorities ruled Nia’s death a homicide, citing blunt force trauma to the abdomen as the cause. Williams appeared in a Palm Beach County courtroom on Friday, where a judge ordered her held without bond at the request of state prosecutors.
Loved ones of Nia, including her godmother, Whytni Walker, and longtime caretaker Rebecca Finley, expressed heartbreak and anger during an interview with WPTV. “We can never get her smile back. We can never talk to her again,” Walker said, recalling the young girl’s joyful spirit.
Finley described Nia as “brilliant” and a “fashionista” who adored makeup and had a vibrant personality. Both women were present in court Friday to witness Williams face the charges. “She caused the death,” Finley stated. “That’s why she’s arrested, and it was definitely abuse.”
They also voiced frustration over what they viewed as a delayed response by authorities and child protective services. Finley and Walker had cared for Williams’ children informally for years and said they had long expressed concerns.
Finley recalled contacting the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) in early April—just 12 days before Nia’s death—reporting that the children appeared “very malnourished.”
“She should have been in jail a long time ago,” Finley added. Walker echoed those sentiments, stating, “There wasn’t one person who was not aware of this young lady being a dangerous mother.” Now, the grieving family members are determined to speak up for Nia.
“I’m guaranteeing she’s saying, ‘Auntie, tell them everything. Don’t forget anything,’” Finley said tearfully. She confirmed that Williams’ other children are now safe and in protective care. WPTV reported that efforts to obtain a response from DCF regarding the case have not yet been answered. Additional details from law enforcement are expected to be released Monday.