Henderson, Nevada — A Nevada woman is facing a murder charge after prosecutors alleged her 14-month-old daughter died from severe neglect and malnutrition inside the family’s apartment.
Court testimony and newly released investigative records outline allegations that the child lived in unsafe conditions and was not provided necessary medical care before her death.
Grand Jury Indicts Mother on Murder and Child Abuse Charges
According to court records, Alivia Thrift, 26, has been indicted on charges of murder and child abuse, neglect, or endangerment resulting in substantial bodily harm in connection with the death of her daughter, Evangelina “Eva” Thrift.
Prosecutors allege the toddler died in March after suffering from severe malnutrition, dehydration, and prolonged neglect.
A medical examiner testified before the grand jury that Eva’s condition was consistent with starvation, stating that multiple organs showed signs associated with severe malnutrition.
The official cause of death was determined after an autopsy, leading prosecutors to add the murder charge.
Investigators Describe Unsanitary Living Conditions
During the investigation, police executed a search warrant at the family’s apartment in Henderson.
According to investigators, officers found unsanitary conditions throughout the home, including a baby’s crib, bassinet, and car seat that required further examination as evidence.
Police also reported finding insects inside the residence, while investigators testified that the child showed evidence consistent with living in poor sanitary conditions over an extended period.
Authorities allege those conditions reflected clear signs of neglect, which became a central part of the criminal investigation.
Family Members Say They Tried to Get Help
Grand jury testimony from Robin Yager, Thrift’s half-sister, described repeated efforts to persuade the mother to seek medical treatment for Eva.
According to Yager, she believed the child needed professional medical care and had previously encouraged Thrift to consult doctors after noticing ongoing health concerns.
She testified that, in the hours before Eva’s death, she went to the apartment in another attempt to convince Thrift to take the toddler to the hospital.
When she saw the child, Yager immediately believed something was seriously wrong and called 911.
Emergency responders arrived at the apartment around 3:30 a.m. on March 24, where they found Eva deceased. Eva’s father, who lives in Arizona, reportedly told investigators that Thrift had chosen to raise their daughter on her own.
Medical Evidence Presented to Grand Jury
During the grand jury proceedings, the medical examiner testified that Eva’s body showed signs consistent with prolonged malnutrition and dehydration.
Prosecutors also presented evidence alleging the child had suffered preventable medical complications associated with extended neglect.
The testimony forms part of the evidence prosecutors intend to rely upon as the criminal case proceeds. At this stage, these allegations have been presented by prosecutors and have not yet been proven in court.
Trial Scheduled for 2027
Following the investigation, Thrift was initially arrested on child abuse-related charges before prosecutors upgraded the case to include murder after receiving the autopsy findings.
She is scheduled to stand trial in March 2027.
Court records show her next scheduled appearance is an Oct. 22 trial readiness hearing, where both sides are expected to address preparations before trial begins.
As with all criminal cases, Thrift is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you believe child welfare systems need stronger safeguards to identify and respond to signs of severe neglect? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
