Darius Stephone Nichols, a 20-year-old father from Florida, has been apprehended and charged with serious crimes following allegations of fatally abusing his 3-month-old daughter, Nova. The tragic case has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the urgent need for child safety and welfare.

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In-Depth Look at Darius Stephone Nichols’ Alleged Fatal Abuse of His Infant Daughter Nova

On April 30, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call regarding an “unresponsive 3-month-old baby.” Upon their arrival at the residence, deputies immediately began efforts to perform CPR on the infant. Tragically, despite their best efforts, she was transported to the hospital and pronounced dead just a few hours later, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

According to reports from Fox 35 Orlando, Nichols claimed to law enforcement that Nova had “fallen from the sofa and became unresponsive.” He insisted that the “only injuries his daughter sustained would have been due to the fall from the couch,” a statement that would later raise serious concerns as the investigation unfolded.

Understanding the Arrest and Charges Against Darius Stephone Nichols

However, the results of the autopsy told a different story. Medical examiners reported that Nova sustained “multiple acute skull fractures,” and it was also noted that she had “bilateral retinal hemorrhages,” alongside “multiple healing rib fractures” in her rib cage. These findings indicated a history of severe abuse that contradicted Nichols’ claims. Furthermore, authorities discovered tablets, suspected to be fentanyl, and marijuana during a search of Nichols’ home, which raised further concerns regarding his lifestyle and its potential impact on his parenting.

Following these revelations, Nichols was arrested and charged with “first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse.” He has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding the infant’s injuries. Currently, he is being held without bail at the Orange County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings.

“In her short life, baby Nova suffered horrific abuse and trauma,” officers stated, as reported by Fox 35 Orlando. “She is resting peacefully now, and our detectives are committed to ensuring justice is served for baby Nova.”

As reported by WESH, Nichols is anticipated to appear for his next court hearing on May 13, where more developments in this heartbreaking case may emerge.

ARRESTED: Darius Stephone Nichols, 20, for First Degree Murder and Aggravated Child Abuse in the death of his 3-month-old daughter, Nova. Nichols told investigators that the baby fell from the sofa and became unresponsive on April 30. An autopsy showed baby Nova‘s skull was… pic.twitter.com/PRC1o6MGWp

— Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) May 6, 2025

Exploring Other Recent Cases of Parental Negligence and Abuse in Florida

The arrest of Darius Stephone Nichols comes just months after another alarming case involving a Florida father, which has raised concerns about the safety of infants in the state. In February, Joshua Ruiz-Martinez was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child after it was revealed that he had placed his daughter in a full bathtub before allegedly leaving her unattended for at least ten minutes.

Upon his return, the horrifying discovery was made that the infant was “submerged beneath the water,” leading to tragic consequences. This case, alongside Nichols’, underscores the alarming pattern of parental negligence that can lead to devastating outcomes for vulnerable children.

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