In a tragic case that has shocked many, 27-year-old Nickolle Aguilar from Texas has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for her role in the horrific death of her 5-year-old son, Domenic Aguilar Acevedo. The case highlights severe lapses in child protection and the consequences of failing to act against abuse.
Aguilar, who had initially been charged with child abuse resulting in death, reached a plea deal with prosecutors. She pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of injury to a child resulting in serious bodily injury by omission. This agreement required her to testify against her boyfriend, Daniel Garcia, who was found guilty of injury to a child resulting in death in May.
The brutal details of the case emerged during Aguilar’s testimony. Aguilar and Garcia, who had met online while living in Florida, moved to Texas with their young children. Garcia began to take over the discipline of Aguilar’s son, Domenic. Aguilar admitted that Garcia’s methods of discipline quickly became extreme and abusive.
In court, Aguilar described a series of abusive incidents leading up to Domenic’s death. Garcia’s abuse stemmed from minor infractions such as Domenic not responding quickly or not eating his food fast enough. On one occasion, Garcia punched Domenic in the face with such force that it left the child’s jaw crooked. The abuse intensified, culminating in a horrific incident on July 24, 2021, when Garcia threw Domenic against a wall with immense force. Domenic, who vomited a dark substance after the impact, died within hours.
Rather than seeking immediate help, Aguilar and Garcia transported Domenic’s lifeless body to a remote area in Colorado, where they buried him before fleeing to Florida. Aguilar later cooperated with authorities to locate Domenic’s body, which was discovered in a ravine near the campsite.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Velia Meza condemned Aguilar’s inaction, stating that she “earned every single day of the 15 years” she was sentenced to. Prosecutors highlighted that Aguilar’s failure to prevent the abuse was rooted in her desire to maintain her relationship with Garcia, rather than protecting her child.
Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzales emphasized the gravity of Aguilar’s failure, stating, “A parent’s responsibility is to protect her child, but Domenic’s mother said and did nothing as she watched her child die of abuse at the hands of her boyfriend.”
As Aguilar serves her 15-year sentence, Garcia’s sentencing is scheduled for August 14. He faces the possibility of life in prison for his role in the abuse and death of Domenic Aguilar.
This case underscores the critical need for vigilance and intervention in protecting children from abuse and the devastating consequences when caregivers fail in their responsibility to safeguard the most vulnerable.
