A Florida woman has been accused of causing her seven-year-old daughter’s death by punching her in the stomach. Concerns about the child’s safety had reportedly been raised by other caregivers before this tragic event.

Naikishia L. Williams, 32, has been charged with first-degree murder following allegations that she struck her daughter, Nia, in April 2025.

An autopsy revealed that the child died from “blunt force trauma” to her abdomen. The injuries included a torn liver and severe internal bleeding, as outlined in a grand jury indictment issued on June 26.

Police in Riviera Beach responded to a call about an unresponsive child at 1501 West 15th Street on the evening of April 28. Nia was rushed to St. Mary’s Medical Centre, where she was pronounced dead.

Following a two-month investigation, Williams was arrested on the morning of June 27 and taken to Palm Beach County Jail. At her first court appearance that same day, the judge ordered her to remain in custody without the option of bail. She also faces an aggravated child abuse charge.

Rebecca Finley, who previously cared for Nia, shared her fond memories of the child, describing her as a “fashionista” with a “golden” personality. Whytni Walker, Nia’s godmother, expressed heartbreak over the loss, saying, “We can never get her smile back or talk to her again.”

The local community has been deeply shaken by the tragedy. Riviera Beach Police Chief Michael Coleman described the loss of an innocent child as devastating, noting that it had traumatised both the community and the police department.

First-degree murder charges in Florida require proof of premeditation. If Williams is found guilty, she could face either the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

Williams’ next court hearing is set for July 28. Meanwhile, her three other children have been placed in the care of relatives, according to Ms Walker and Ms Finley.