Authorities say a late Friday night emergency call in Hephzibah ended in tragedy when 4-year-old Niomi Rose was found with visible injuries and later pronounced dead. Richmond County deputies report the child was rushed to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, where doctors could not save her. The man who had been caring for her, 28-year-old Collin Aaron Aber, is now charged with murder after a pursuit that investigators say ended in an hourslong SWAT standoff near Curry Street and Division Street.
According to WRDW/WAGT, the Richmond County Coroner's Office said Niomi was found unresponsive after a 911 call around 11:30 p.m. First responders tried life-saving measures before she was transported to Wellstar and pronounced dead just after midnight. The coroner's office told the outlet that her injuries appeared consistent with blunt-force trauma and that an autopsy has been scheduled.
Deputies: Chase Ended in SWAT Standoff
Richmond County deputies told WSB-TV the case began with a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child at a home on Edgeworth Drive. Investigators say a woman and Aber left that house, and officers later spotted a blue Chevrolet Acadia linked to the case near the hospital. According to deputies, Aber sped off when they tried to pull him over, triggering a pursuit that ended near Curry Street and Division Street. Authorities told the station Aber got out of the vehicle armed, forced his way into his father's home and barricaded himself inside. A SWAT team negotiated with him for hours before breaching the residence and taking him into custody. WSB reports Aber, 28, has been charged with murder, and officials say additional charges could follow as the investigation continues.
Investigation and Next Steps
The Richmond County Sheriff's Office says the investigation remains active and that no motive has been released. The coroner has scheduled an autopsy, WRDW/WAGT reported, and authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the sheriff's office.
