A Florida couple faces charges in the tragic and brutal death of a toddler in September 2024. Authorities allege that 20-year-old Zayla Goodwin and 23-year-old Nathaniel Davis physically and sexually abused the child, who also had methamphetamine in their system at the time of death.
Horrific Discovery
According to a news release from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, officers responded to a residence on Taurus Cir N. in Jacksonville on September 10, 2024. They discovered an unresponsive toddler and rushed them to Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
Doctors found multiple injuries across the child’s body. Despite medical efforts, the toddler died eight days later on September 18, 2024. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, citing blunt force trauma. A toxicology report also confirmed the presence of methamphetamine in the child’s system.
Authorities did not disclose the toddler’s age or gender, but WJXT reported in October 2024 that the victim was 22-month-old Zamora Foe. Goodwin was identified as Zamora’s mother, while Davis was her boyfriend.
Evidence of Abuse
WJXT reported that officers found Zamora in cardiac arrest. A search warrant revealed disturbing evidence, including bloody bandages and blankets near the child’s bed, as well as blood-stained diapers in the trash. Detectives suspected sexual abuse based on their findings.
A woman, whose name was redacted in the report, told investigators that Goodwin, Davis, and Zamora had moved into the home just five days before the incident. She claimed she noticed bruises on Zamora’s body and saw that the toddler had stopped walking. When questioned, Goodwin allegedly told the woman—and later the police—that Zamora had fallen in the bathtub.
Initially, authorities charged Goodwin and Davis with child neglect. Both pleaded guilty. However, after Zamora’s death, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office upgraded their charges.
Charges and Legal Action
Goodwin now faces a charge of aggravated manslaughter of a child. Davis has been charged with first-degree murder, two counts of sexual battery, aggravated child abuse, and tampering with evidence.
“The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will work with the State Attorney’s Office to ensure the harshest punishment for this heinous crime against an innocent child. Children are our community’s most precious asset,” the department stated.
