7-Year-Old Nia Williams Dies After Brutal Beating—Her Mother Now Facing Murder Charges in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County, FL — A horrific case of child abuse has left a Florida community in mourning and disbelief after 7-year-old Nia Williams was allegedly killed by her own mother. Authorities say the young girl died from massive internal injuries, and the disturbing details surrounding her death have raised urgent questions about failures within the child protection system.

The community is mourning after 7-year-old Nia Williams was found dead with horrific internal injuries, allegedly caused by her mother, 32-year-old Naikishia Williams, who now faces capital murder charges in connection with her daughter’s death.

Autopsy Reveals Extreme Trauma

According to the medical examiner’s report, Nia died from blunt force trauma to the abdomen. Her injuries were extensive and gruesome: a lacerated liver, detached intestines, and nearly half of her body’s blood volume found in her stomach cavity.

Investigators believe these injuries were the result of repeated blows to the stomach, inflicted with such force that internal organs were torn apart. The official cause of death was ruled as homicide due to internal bleeding caused by physical assault.

Sister Details Shocking Abuse

During police interviews, Nia’s older sister, herself a minor, gave a heartbreaking and detailed account of the abuse they both endured.

She told officers that their mother routinely beat them with metal pipes, high heels, a mop handle, and belts. In the days leading up to Nia’s death, the sister said the abuse escalated.

Nia had reportedly spilled cereal, which led to an explosive reaction from their mother. The woman allegedly ordered Nia to lie on the floor and then stomped on her stomach multiple times, saying it was “like stomping on an ant.”

Despite being in visible pain and struggling to move, Nia was forced to clean up the mess. When she moved too slowly, she was kicked again, slammed into kitchen cabinets, and collapsed onto the floor. According to the sister, their mother poured cold water on Nia and forced her into a cold shower before demanding that she clean the house.

Nia reportedly begged to lie down but was denied rest and made to clean the toilet, straighten the furniture, and fix beds—tasks far beyond her physical capacity at that moment.

DCF Warned Repeatedly, Failed to Intervene

What makes this tragedy even more devastating is the mounting evidence that Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) had been warned repeatedly about abuse in the home.

When Nia was born, she was abandoned at the hospital and placed in foster care for six months. Over the years, she was treated for various injuries, and multiple reports were filed by family members and neighbors. Some even submitted photographic evidence of visible bruises to caseworkers.

Despite these repeated red flags, DCF failed to intervene effectively, allowing Nia and her sister to remain in the home.

“The system failed her. Everyone failed her,” said a family friend. “She cried out in so many ways, and no one answered.”

Community Outrage and Calls for Justice

The case has sparked widespread outrage across Florida and beyond, as citizens, lawmakers, and child advocates demand a thorough investigation into DCF’s handling of the case.

Several public officials have called for increased oversight and reforms within the department to ensure that no other child slips through the cracks.

Meanwhile, the local community has gathered to mourn Nia, organizing vigils and creating memorials in her honor.

How to Help and Report Abuse

Authorities are urging the public to continue speaking up if they suspect a child is being abused. If you believe a child is in danger, contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 or report online at reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us.

 Remembering Nia

Nia is remembered by those who knew her as a sweet, soft-spoken child with a bright smile. A student at a local elementary school, she was said to be kind, curious, and eager to learn—despite the pain she silently carried.

“She deserved love. She deserved safety. She deserved a future,” one teacher said. “She didn’t get any of that.”

Now, a community mourns. And a state asks: How many more warning signs will it take?