A Florida man already serving probation for child abuse now faces an upgraded charge of aggravated manslaughter after his young son died from injuries sustained more than three years ago.
The case dates back to January 2023, when three-month-old Noah Nelson was hospitalized with severe, traumatic injuries. Medical professionals determined the infant had suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries resulting from physical abuse, including violent shaking.
Following a lengthy investigation by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, detectives arrested Malcolm Nelson in October 2023 on a charge of aggravated child abuse.
Noah never showed signs of medical recovery. He remained on life support in the hospital until April of this year, when he was ultimately released to hospice care at home. He passed away a few days later at the age of three and a half.
Throughout those years, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit maintained constant communication with the Medical Examiner’s Office and the State Attorney for Florida’s 7th Circuit. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood had previously announced that authorities planned to pursue upgraded charges against the father if Noah’s autopsy and medical history supported a finding of homicide.
The final medical examiner’s report was submitted this week, officially indicating that Noah’s death was a homicide. The report listed the formal cause of death as complications of abusive head trauma.
Nelson had previously pleaded no contest to the original 2023 charge of aggravated child abuse. His initial sentence included 180 days in jail, two years of community control, and 13 years of probation.
On Tuesday, he was taken into custody at his probation office for an alleged violation of probation. Detectives obtained the new warrant for aggravated manslaughter and served it to Nelson while he remained held at the Volusia County Branch Jail.
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