Three family members face felony charges following an investigation into the death of a three-month-old infant, whose death has been officially ruled a homicide caused by severe dehydration and malnutrition, local authorities announced.
The investigation began on Aug. 20, 2025, when the child’s grandparents brought the infant to the emergency room at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center. Medical personnel pronounced the baby dead upon arrival and alerted the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office after observing physical injuries and conditions consistent with neglect.
An examination by the Medical Examiner subsequently determined the cause of death to be dehydration and malnutrition, classifying the manner of death as a homicide. Detective Corporal Jennifer Diaz led the Sheriff’s Office investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s care.
Deputies arrested three individuals in connection with the case: Nicole Maxwell, 27, the child’s mother; Robert Maxwell, 61, the child’s grandfather; and Vikki Koon, 38, Robert Maxwell’s girlfriend.
All three defendants have been charged with Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child and Aggravated Child Abuse. A judge set bond at $1.5 million for each individual.
“The death of a child is a tragedy that affects our entire community,” Sheriff Richard Del Toro said in a statement. “I commend Detective Corporal Diaz for her leadership and thank the detectives, crime scene investigators, professional support staff, the Medical Examiner’s Office, and our State Attorneys, whose commitment and teamwork led to these arrests. Our responsibility is to pursue the truth, protect those who cannot protect themselves, and hold those responsible accountable.”
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
READ: 17-Month Probe Ends In Restaurant Arrest Of Florida Child Abuse Suspect
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