Fort Pierce, Florida — Three people have been charged after investigators say a 3-month-old infant died from dehydration and malnutrition following weeks of severe neglect inside a cockroach-infested mobile home.
Authorities allege the baby was fed only twice a day with watered-down milk, leading to rapid weight loss before his death in what one detective described as one of the most disturbing child abuse investigations of her career.
Infant Lost More Than Two Pounds Before His Death
According to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on Aug. 20, 2025, when Robert Maxwell, 61, and Vikki Koon, 38, brought the unresponsive infant, Robert Gunter, to a local hospital.
Investigators said rigor mortis had already set in, indicating the child had died before arriving at the hospital.
Medical records reviewed during the investigation showed the infant weighed more than 11 pounds during a doctor’s appointment on July 24, 2025. Less than a month later, he weighed about 9 pounds, placing him in the first percentile for children his age, according to authorities.
Detectives noted that the baby’s ribs were more prominent than his stomach, a sign they said reflected severe malnutrition.
Caregivers Allegedly Fed Baby Only Twice a Day
Investigators determined that the infant primarily lived with his grandfather and Koon at their Fort Pierce home.
According to the arrest affidavit, Vikki Koon allegedly admitted she fed the baby only twice a day, often giving him watered-down milk mixed with baby cereal.
Authorities say that feeding routine was far below what is recommended for an infant of his age.
Despite noticing that the child was losing weight and becoming increasingly weak in the weeks before his death, detectives allege none of the caregivers sought medical attention.
Grandfather’s Messages Raised Concerns Before Baby Died
During the investigation, detectives uncovered Facebook messages allegedly sent by Robert Maxwell to the baby’s biological father, who had moved out of state.
According to investigators, Maxwell expressed frustration about caring for the infant and wrote that he wanted to give the baby away.
In one message cited by authorities, he allegedly wrote:
“I guess nobody gives a f— about this baby.”
He also reportedly stated that “There’s something wrong. All he does is sleep,” while claiming he was not the child’s father and therefore could not take him to the hospital.
Investigators say those messages showed the caregivers recognized that the baby’s condition had seriously deteriorated.
Investigators Describe Home as an Extreme Health Hazard
When detectives searched the mobile home, they reported finding what they described as extreme environmental hazards.
According to the affidavit, the residence contained large numbers of living and dead cockroaches, including insects found inside a collapsed child playpen where the infant had been kept.
Authorities said the conditions inside the home reflected prolonged neglect and posed serious health risks.
Mother Also Faces Criminal Charges
The baby’s mother, Nicole Maxwell, 27, has also been charged.
Investigators allege she was only occasionally involved in her son’s care and was living with her boyfriend, who reportedly did not want the child living with them.
According to detectives, Nicole Maxwell saw her son the day before he died and noticed he appeared extremely thin, unwell, and unresponsive.
When questioned about why she did not seek medical care, investigators say she claimed she wanted to take the baby to the hospital but left because her boyfriend was urging her to return home.
All three suspects have been charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child and aggravated child abuse.
Sheriff Richard Del Toro said the case serves as a reminder of the duty to protect vulnerable children, adding that law enforcement remains committed to holding those responsible accountable.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking case? Should penalties for severe child neglect resulting in death be strengthened? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
