Detectives in St. Lucie County have arrested three people in connection with the death of a 3-month-old infant, describing the case as one of the worst they’ve encountered. The investigation began in August of last year when detectives were called to a Fort Pierce home following the infant’s death.
Investigation Details
According to an arrest affidavit, the infant’s mother, Nicole Maxwell, had left the baby with his grandfather, Robert Maxwell, and Maxwell’s girlfriend, Vikki Koon. Koon told deputies that she believed a newborn should have two ounces per feeding twice a day and would fill the bottle with regular milk and add water when she ran out of formula.
Investigators found the mobile home in poor condition, with a bug infestation, lack of food, and an unsafe environment. An autopsy revealed the infant was emaciated, had a sunken abdomen, and widespread lesions consistent with severe dehydration and malnutrition.
Response from Authorities
St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro released a statement, saying, “The loss of a child is heartbreaking. Cases like this weigh heavily on everyone involved… Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a safe, loving, and nurturing home.”
Sheriff Del Toro urged the public to report any signs of child abuse, saying, “If you see signs that a child may be neglected, abused, or living in unsafe conditions, do not assume someone else will intervene. Report it. One phone call can be the difference between a child receiving the help they need and a life being saved.”
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
