A South Carolina couple is behind bars after being charged with homicide by child abuse in connection with the death of their 7-month-old daughter, Sage Nix. Authorities in Richland County arrested Caleb Nix, 22, and Kyla Nix, 24, after an investigation revealed that the infant had died from blunt force trauma to the head. The case has sparked national outrage, particularly after it was discovered that the parents solicited donations and meals from the community following their daughter’s death.
According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, first responders arrived at the couple’s home on December 18, 2024, after receiving a call about an unresponsive infant. Sage was transported to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. An autopsy performed by the Richland County Coroner’s Office determined that the child had suffered fatal head injuries consistent with severe abuse. Investigators later confirmed that both parents were suspects in the infant’s death.
In an official statement, Sheriff Leon Lott described the case as “horrific” and stated that the evidence pointed to Caleb and Kyla Nix as responsible for their daughter’s death. “This was an innocent child whose life was taken in a brutal way,” Lott said. “There is no excuse for what happened to baby Sage.” Authorities did not specify whether one or both parents directly caused the fatal injuries but noted that both were being held accountable for the abuse.
The arrests came nearly two months after Sage’s death, following an extensive investigation by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Social Services (DSS). The delay in arrests was due to forensic analysis, medical reports, and witness interviews, which helped establish the timeline of abuse. Officials also investigated the couple’s history, looking into prior reports of domestic disturbances and child welfare concerns.
Adding to the controversy, it was revealed that after Sage’s death, Caleb and Kyla Nix launched a Meal Train campaign—a platform typically used to support grieving or struggling families—to request food and donations. The campaign falsely suggested that Sage’s death was a tragic and unexpected loss, omitting the fact that she had died from head trauma. Many in the community, who initially donated meals and money to the couple, now feel deceived and angry after learning about the child abuse charges.
Public backlash has been swift, with many social media users condemning the couple for manipulating the tragedy to gain financial support. “Absolutely disgusting,” one commenter wrote. “They murdered their own baby and then had the audacity to ask people to feed them.” Others have called for the Meal Train platform to implement stricter vetting processes to prevent similar misuse in the future.
Court records indicate that both Caleb and Kyla Nix have no prior criminal convictions, though DSS is investigating whether there were previous reports of neglect or abuse in the household. Authorities have not disclosed whether the couple has other children or if they had been receiving social services assistance before the incident.
Under South Carolina law, homicide by child abuse carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum of life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will pursue the maximum penalty, but given the severity of the case, legal experts speculate that they are likely to push for the harshest possible sentencing.
As the case progresses, the community remains in shock over the circumstances of Sage Nix’s death. Many have expressed sorrow for the infant, with some organizing vigils in her memory. “This baby deserved so much better,” said one local resident. “I just hope justice is served for her.”
Caleb and Kyla Nix remain in custody at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center without bond. Their next court appearance is scheduled for later this month, where prosecutors are expected to present more evidence in the case. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with additional information about the couple or their treatment of Sage to come forward.
Sources:
- Richland County coroner says 7-month-old child died from head trauma; parents charged
- Parents charged with homicide by child abuse in death of 7-month-old daughter
- Parents Arrested for Homicide by Child Abuse
- Parents charged with homicide after baby died of blunt force trauma
- Parents charged after baby daughter’s death in Chapin, SC
