Two young parents in Florida, aged 24, have been arrested and charged with the tragic death of their 6-month-old daughter, Nalani Adalee Allen.
The couple, Nathan Richard Allen and Arnelle Arnelia Floyd from Homestead, brought their daughter to Homestead Hospital last Sunday in cardiac arrest. Medical professionals discovered that baby Nalani had no pulse and showed signs of severe child abuse, as reported by the police.
Sadly, Nalani was pronounced dead less than an hour later. Miami-Dade police took Nathan and Arnelle into custody on Wednesday and charged them with first-degree murder, according to Local10.com.
The infant had “several fractured ribs in various stages of healing and multiple bruises” across her torso, according to law enforcement. An autopsy also revealed that the 6-month-old had “numerous fresh contusions, internal bleeding, large lacerations to internal organs, and blunt force injuries” throughout her torso.
Nalani’s death has been determined to be a homicide.
Investigators were informed by both parents that Nalani was healthy and had not experienced any previous injuries. However, Floyd, the child’s mother, expressed to investigators that she was unaware of the cause of her child’s death. According to police reports, Floyd mentioned that she fed Nalani at approximately 10 p.m. the night before placing her in bed with her and Allen.
She then left for a beauty appointment at 8 a.m. the next morning and received a call from Allen around 10:45 a.m. concerning their daughter.
“Floyd stated she then returned home and observed Allen exiting their residence holding the unresponsive victim,” the report states. “Floyd stated they then responded to the emergency room.”
Investigators also reported that Allen mentioned feeding the baby at approximately 10 a.m., then stepping away to wash the dishes. Upon returning to the child, he noticed she appeared “lethargic”. According to court documents, Allen informed detectives that Nalani was typically in good health but would frequently cry for extended periods.
Search warrants shows house in disarray
Police conducted a search at the residence of the couple on Northeast 21st Avenue, where they found the house in disarray with holes in the walls and dents in the refrigerator door. The home had a history of domestic violence reports, supported by neighbor accounts. The baby, who was last seen by her pediatrician on Friday, showed no signs of physical harm despite being underweight.
Both parents are currently in custody without bond.
