The child’s mother, Zayla Goodwin, aged 20, along with her boyfriend, Nathaniel Davis, 23, were taken into custody last week as detailed in a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office press release. They are now facing multiple serious charges in connection with the tragic demise of their daughter, highlighting the grave implications of neglect and abuse.

Goodwin has been charged with aggravated manslaughter, while her partner Davis faces a first-degree murder charge, aggravated child abuse, tampering with evidence, and two counts of sexual battery. These severe allegations reflect the gravity of their situation and the profound impact on the community.

This escalation in charges followed the coroner’s ruling on December 4, 2024, which classified the child’s death as a homicide. The medical examination revealed evidence of blunt force trauma and the presence of methamphetamine in the toddler’s system, raising alarming questions about the environment in which she lived.

Prior to this, both individuals had already been charged with neglect after police responded to a medical emergency at their residence on September 10, 2024. Upon arrival, officers found Zamora in cardiac arrest, unresponsive, and suffering from multiple injuries, as reported by News4Jax, indicating a dire situation that warranted immediate intervention.

Following her urgent transport to the hospital, described in the arrest warrant as a “life-threatening situation,” doctors expressed skepticism regarding her chances of survival. Tragically, Zamora passed away on September 18, 2024, leaving a community mourning the loss of a young life.

According to the possible cause affidavit viewed by Law & Crime, Goodwin reported that on the day of the incident, she woke up to Davis shouting that he had found the toddler face-down on her bed. Davis was allegedly performing CPR on the child, as claimed by Goodwin, raising further questions about the events leading up to Zamora’s death.

Investigators discovered that Zamora had suffered fractures in one arm and both of her legs. Additionally, there were ligature marks around her neck, alongside signs of bruising and scratching covering her entire body. Disturbingly, the examination also revealed evidence of sexual abuse, intensifying the horror of this case.

Authorities also searched the couple’s home, uncovering bloody bandages, bloody diapers discarded in the trash, and blood-stained blankets near Zamora’s bed. These findings, detailed in the arrest warrant, alongside drug paraphernalia, painted a grim picture of the living conditions the child endured.

During the investigation, authorities interviewed a woman who claimed that Goodwin, Davis, and Zamora had moved in with her just five days prior to the child’s hospitalization. She reported concerns about Zamora’s injuries, particularly why the girl seemed unable to walk, highlighting the community’s role in child welfare.

Goodwin’s explanation was that the toddler had “fallen in the bathtub” a week prior, a claim made when Davis was supposedly bathing her at their previous residence. This statement raises further questions about the credibility of their narrative and the circumstances leading to Zamora’s injuries.

Authorities consulted with a medical expert from the First Coast Child Protection Group, who indicated that a child with leg injuries as severe as those found on Zamora would have been unable to bear weight due to the extent of her fractures and the anticipated pain she would experience.

Experts noted that the leg fractures alone would have caused significant pain, and any reasonable caretaker would have sought immediate medical attention. Upon examination, professionals believed that the injuries were likely less than ten days old at the time of her passing, raising alarms about the neglect she endured.

The child’s father, Brandon Foe, shared his heartbreak with News4Jax regarding the loss of his daughter, expressing relief at the upgrade of charges against Goodwin and Davis. His response reflects the anguish and frustration felt by many in the community.

“When detectives presented me with all the evidence, I felt naive to think they didn’t act with intention,” he revealed, indicating the weight of the investigation on his emotions. “The waiting game has been the most challenging aspect, but now that the charges have been elevated, I trust they are proceeding in the right direction,” he stated, signifying a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.

Brandon also conveyed his deep sorrow over his inability to protect his daughter. “It pains me to know I couldn’t be there as a father to safeguard my daughter,” he expressed. “I am positive that everything will unfold as it should. I just hope they receive the maximum punishment possible for their actions,” showcasing a father’s anguish and desire for justice.

Both Goodwin and Davis are currently being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond, indicating the seriousness of their charges and the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings.