A Florida mother and her boyfriend are facing serious charges following the tragic death of her nearly two-year-old daughter, Zamora Leao, who succumbed to severe injuries allegedly inflicted upon her. The couple, identified as 20-year-old Zaa Goodwin and 23-year-old Nathaniel Davis, were initially arrested on September 11 for child neglect after Zamora was rushed to a Jacksonville children’s hospital in critical condition. Tragically, she was taken off life support a week later, leading to a further investigation that uncovered horrific details surrounding her treatment.
An arrest report detailed that Zamora suffered from a brain bleed, broken bones in both legs, a fractured arm, and signs of sexual abuse, as well as ligature marks around her neck. A toxicology screening indicated the presence of THC, methamphetamine, and amphetamine in her system. Following her death on September 18, the medical examiner confirmed that Zamora died from blunt force trauma and had sustained severe injuries consistent with abuse, prompting the case to go before a grand jury.
As a result, the charges against Goodwin and Davis have been escalated. Goodwin now faces aggravated manslaughter of a child, while Davis is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, tampering with evidence, and two counts of sexual battery. Both suspects have been denied bond due to the severity of the new charges.
Zamora’s biological father, Brandon Foe, spoke to Action News Jax, expressing the heartbreaking decision to donate his daughter’s organs, which have since saved the lives of two infants. This small glimmer of hope underscores the tragedy surrounding her death, but it does not erase the horror of her alleged abuse.
Eyewitness accounts and police investigations reveal that Goodwin and Davis had recently moved in with Goodwin’s grandmother, where the alleged abuse began shortly after their arrival. Witnesses reported noticing bruises on Zamora’s body shortly after the couple moved in. Goodwin initially attributed the injuries to a fall in the bathtub, yet the severity and nature of Zamora’s injuries have prompted skepticism regarding this explanation.
A child abuse injury specialist noted that any reasonable caretaker would have sought medical attention for a child in Zamora’s condition. The timeline of events is critical, with reports indicating that Goodwin did not plan to take Zamora for medical care until well after her injuries were sustained.
The case has raised significant questions about the circumstances leading to Zamora’s injuries and the role of both adults in her care. Legal experts suggest that the prosecution may be exploring the possible death penalty for Davis, given the nature of the charges against him. In Florida, capital crimes can lead to severe penalties, and the state may seek to hold him accountable for the horrific abuse inflicted upon the young girl.
As this case unfolds, the community is grappling with the heartbreaking reality of child abuse and the failures that allowed such a tragedy to occur. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has stated their commitment to pursuing the harshest penalties for what they describe as a heinous crime against an innocent child. The upcoming court appearances for Goodwin and Davis will be closely monitored as the legal process continues to seek justice for Zamora Leao.