ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — Three individuals have been arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child and aggravated child abuse following the death of an infant in St. Lucie County. The arrests were made on July 23, according to court documents released by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation centers on the death of a nearly 3-month-old boy who died from dehydration and malnutrition while living in conditions described as posing "extreme environmental hazard."
Hazardous Living Conditions and Medical Findings
According to a 37-page warrant affidavit, the infant lived with his grandfather, Robert Maxwell, and Maxwell’s girlfriend, Vikki Koon, in a mobile home on Silverstream Circle. Investigators described the residence as having roaches, exposed electrical wires, and windows covered with plywood. The child was brought to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce by his grandfather and Koon on Aug. 20, 2025. Upon arrival, medical staff observed that the infant’s fingernails appeared nearly black and noted that his ribs were more prominent than his stomach. A doctor pronounced him dead upon arrival.
Details of Caregiving Failures
The affidavit outlines significant failures in caregiving among the three defendants. Nicole Maxwell, 27, the infant’s mother, told investigators that Koon primarily cared for the child because her current boyfriend did not want the infant around. Records indicate that Nicole Maxwell depersonalized her relationship with the victim during interviews, referring to him as "it" or "the baby," while using affectionate terms for her other children.
Vikki Koon, 38, reportedly displayed no observable emotions when initially questioned and exhibited signs of possible cognitive delays. She stated she believed a newborn should eat twice a day with two ounces per feeding, failing to understand the necessity of feeding every two to three hours. Robert Maxwell, 61, admitted he was unaware the infant was sick and could not answer questions regarding bathing frequency.
Digital Evidence and Communication
Investigators reviewed Facebook messages that highlighted a lack of communication between Nicole Maxwell and those caring for the child. Messages from Aug. 18 show Robert Maxwell urging Nicole to come get the baby because "he’s sick." Another message from Koon on Aug. 12 indicated they lacked food for the infant. Despite eight attempted messenger calls, Nicole Maxwell did not respond for nearly 24 hours before bringing the child to the hospital.
The three defendants remain in custody as the investigation continues. The case highlights severe neglect within a household that investigators found to be in a state of extreme environmental hazard.
