Prosecutors in Florida have announced their intent to seek the death penalty against Naikishia Williams, 32, who is accused of murdering her 7-year-old daughter, Nia Williams, after the child spilled cereal. Williams faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse in the April 28 killing in Riviera Beach.
Court documents allege the murder was “especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel” and carried out in a “cold, calculated, and premeditated manner” without moral or legal justification. Prosecutors also cited Nia’s age and Williams’ custodial authority as aggravating factors.
A History of Abuse
An eight-page arrest affidavit outlines years of alleged abuse. Nia’s difficult life began when Williams reportedly abandoned her at the hospital after birth, leading to six months in foster care. She was later placed with Rebecca Finley and Whytni Walker, who also cared for Williams’ other children.
Authorities say whenever Williams regained custody, Nia suffered severe injuries, including:
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A broken femur and head laceration in April 2021 (with staples left in until skin grew over them)
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A broken arm in September 2021
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Multiple burn marks from boiling water in 2022
Despite concerns, Williams regained custody in 2023 after completing a parenting program.
Final Days
Nia’s teacher reported she had missed about 50 days of school during the 2024–2025 year and often came in wearing dirty clothes, yet was described as “brilliant and sweet.”
On April 25, just days before her death, Nia arrived at school sick, vomiting, and shivering but could not be treated because her mother had not signed consent forms or answered calls.
According to a sibling’s account, the fatal beating began when Nia spilled cereal. Williams allegedly made her lie on the floor and stomped on her stomach “like you stomp an ant.” She then forced the child to clean the mess and, when she didn’t move fast enough, kicked her in the stomach before ordering her to complete more chores.
By April 28, Nia was barely breathing. Williams allegedly waited four hours before calling 911, claiming her daughter might have overdosed on medicine. Paramedics administered Narcan, but doctors found no drugs in her system—only catastrophic internal injuries, including a lacerated liver, detached intestines, and massive internal bleeding. She was pronounced dead that night.
Calls for Justice
Finley and Walker described Nia as a “fashionista” who loved makeup and said families had repeatedly warned authorities about Williams. Finley claimed she contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families nearly two weeks before Nia’s death about her being “very malnourished.”
“She should have been in jail a long time ago,” Finley said.
“There wasn’t one person who was not aware of this young lady being a dangerous mother.”
Williams is scheduled to appear in court again on August 13. Finley and Walker vow to keep fighting until justice is served for Nia.
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