Three people are behind bars in Fort Pierce after investigators say a three-month-old boy died last August from dehydration and malnutrition inside a mobile home that authorities later described as filthy, unsafe and infested. Neighbors and detectives alike painted a grim picture of the living conditions, and charges followed months of medical testing and outside expert analysis.
Arrests and charges
Nicole Maxwell, 27, the child’s mother, her father Robert Maxwell, 61, and Robert Maxwell’s girlfriend Vikki Koon, 38, were arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child and aggravated child abuse. Deputies say the baby was taken to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center on Aug. 20, 2025, where he was later pronounced dead. The Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide and listed the cause as dehydration and malnutrition. Bond for each defendant was set at $1.5 million, according to Treasure Coast Today.
Investigators describe 'horrific' home conditions
When deputies searched the mobile home, investigators reported finding holes in the floor that had been covered with plywood, a heavy bug infestation, almost no food in sight and flooring so unstable it was hazardous to walk on. Detective Jennifer Diaz told reporters the case required outside expertise and lengthy follow-up testing before charges could be filed, adding, "The house was extremely hot." A neighbor identified only as Suzan said, "The kids were so hungry and starving," and recounted giving the children food and water at times. Those details were reported by WPEC (CBS12).
Legal process and community resources
Authorities said Child Protective Services had previously been called to the residence, and the investigation ultimately involved multiple agencies over several months. The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information to submit tips through its online form and is reminding residents to report suspected child abuse or neglect via its tip page at the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff praises investigators
Sheriff Richard Del Toro publicly commended Detective Corporal Jennifer Diaz along with the team of detectives, crime scene investigators and prosecutors whose work led to the arrests. That praise, along with the timeline of the probe, was detailed by Treasure Coast Today. The three defendants remain in custody as the case moves through the state court system.
