In a heartbreaking case that has shocked the Homestead community, a young couple has been arrested on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse following the death of their infant daughter. Arnelle Arnelia Floyd and Nathan Richard Allen, both 24, were taken into custody on Wednesday, according to Miami-Dade jail records.
The tragic incident came to light on Sunday afternoon when police were called to the pediatric emergency room at Baptist Health Homestead Hospital. Officers responded to a report of a deceased infant. The 6-month-old girl, identified by police as Nalani Adalee Allen, had been brought to the emergency room by her parents in cardiac arrest. Despite the medical team's desperate efforts, Nalani was unresponsive, without a pulse, and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
An X-ray revealed the extent of the infant's injuries: multiple fractured ribs in various stages of healing and numerous bruises across her torso, consistent with severe child abuse and neglect. Further investigation led officers to the couple's home, where they executed a search warrant. The residence was found in "disarray," with "multiple holes in the walls the size of a fist as well as dents in the refrigerator door which appear to be shaped in the size of a fist," according to the report.
An autopsy of Nalani uncovered even more distressing details. The infant had numerous fresh contusions, internal bleeding, large lacerations to internal organs, and blunt force injuries throughout her torso. The manner of death was classified as a homicide.
Interestingly, the infant had visited a pediatrician just two days earlier, on May 10. During that visit, Nalani was noted to be underweight, but there were no visible signs of bruising or broken bones at the time, raising questions about the rapid and severe escalation of her injuries.
Floyd and Allen were arrested and booked into jail. They appeared in court on Thursday, where a judge ordered them both to be held without bond. This devastating case has underscored the critical need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that signs of abuse are swiftly addressed.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the tragic loss of a young life and hopes for justice to be served for Nalani Adalee Allen. This case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safeguarding our children and advocating for their safety and well-being.