Jacksonville Couple Charged in Tragic Death of Toddler

News Summary

A Jacksonville couple, Zayla Goodwin and Nathaniel Davis, has been charged in the tragic death of their 22-month-old daughter Zamora Foe. Following reports of cardiac arrest, the child was declared a homicide after suffering from severe injuries and toxic substances were found in her system. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation as the community mourns this devastating loss and calls for justice.

Jacksonville Couple Charged in Tragic Death of Toddler

In a heartbreaking development, a Jacksonville couple has been charged in connection with the tragic death of a 22-month-old girl named Zamora Foe. This devastating case has left the community in shock and mourning, showcasing the urgent need for vigilance regarding the safety of vulnerable children.

Details Surrounding the Case

The couple, Zayla Goodwin, a 20-year-old mother, and her boyfriend, Nathaniel Davis, aged 23, are facing serious charges following the untimely death of little Zamora. Goodwin has been charged with aggravated manslaughter, while Davis faces a staggering array of charges, including first-degree murder, two counts of sexual battery, aggravated child abuse, and tampering with physical evidence.

On September 10, 2024, paramedics rushed to their home on Taurus Circle North after reports that Zamora had gone into cardiac arrest and was unresponsive. She was quickly transported to Wolfson Children’s Hospital, where her condition was initially deemed critical. Tragically, after fighting for her life, Zamora succumbed to her injuries on September 18, 2024.

The Cause of Death is Alarming

What followed was even more painful. On December 4, 2024, a medical examiner ruled Zamora’s death a homicide, revealing that she had suffered from blunt force trauma and had traces of methamphetamine in her system. Authorities discovered that Zamora had endured severe injuries, which included a broken left arm, fractures to both legs, extensive bruising, and numerous other alarming injuries.

Evidence Stacks Up Against the Couple

A search of the couple’s home revealed a disturbing scene. Investigators found bloody bandages, bloody blankets near Zamora’s bed, and bloody diapers disposed of in the trash. Further examination uncovered several cell phones, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia, painting an even darker picture of the circumstances Zamora lived in.

A woman residing with Goodwin and Davis stepped forward, expressing concern after observing numerous bruises on Zamora. She noted that Zamora was unable to walk, raising further alarms. Initially, Goodwin alleged that Zamora had suffered injuries from a fall while being bathed, but the story fell flat given the extensive evidence collected.

Previous Concerns and Arrests

This couple had previously been arrested on child neglect charges for not seeking medical attention for Zamora, despite her visible injuries. Zamora’s biological father, Brandon Foe, openly shared his grief and skepticism about Goodwin’s account of events, believing that those injuries were intentionally inflicted.

Legal Proceedings Underway

As a result of the overwhelming evidence, a grand jury recently indicted Davis on the charge of first-degree murder, and Goodwin’s charges were upgraded to aggravated manslaughter of a child. Authorities have indicated that the circumstances surrounding Zamora’s death clearly illustrated a dire need for medical care, which the couple failed to provide.

Community on Alert

In the wake of this tragedy, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has pledged to work diligently with the State Attorney’s Office to ensure the harshest possible punishment for those responsible for this awful crime against an innocent child. Community members are strongly urged to report any suspicions of child abuse to the appropriate authorities or the state’s child abuse hotline. Together, we can help protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Orlando Man Loses Life in Tragic I-95 Crash Late Monday Night
Jacksonville Man Faces Serious Charges After Tragic Incident

Additional Resources

• First Coast News: Toddler Killed, Boyfriend and Mother Charged
• News4Jax: Jacksonville Mother, Boyfriend Charged in Toddler’s Murder
• Action News Jax: Four Men Arrested, Charged with Murder of 7-Year-Old
• Jacksonville.com: 7-Year-Old Jacksonville Boy Killed
• Live 5 News: Man Accused of Killing 8-Month-Old Baby with His Car
• Wikipedia: Child Abuse
• Google Search: Jacksonville Crime News
• Google Scholar: Child Maltreatment
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
• Google News: Jacksonville