A mother in Nevada, accused of allowing her five-year-old daughter to be beaten and starved, searched the internet for 'signs my child is dying' before the girl's death, according to shocking court documents.
Charges Upgraded to First-Degree Murder
Andrea Loving was arraigned on a first-degree murder charge this Tuesday in connection with the death of her daughter, Izabella. The charge was upgraded from an initial count of child abuse resulting in substantial bodily harm.
Izabella died in April from bacterial pneumonia, as detailed in filings obtained by local news. An examination revealed she had also suffered multiple blunt force injuries, severe malnutrition, dehydration, and medical neglect.
A Campaign of 'Daily Mistreatment'
Prosecutors allege Loving participated in the 'daily mistreatment' of her child alongside the girl's father, Nicholas Loving. The couple are accused of conspiring to cover up Izabella's injuries.
The court documents claim the abuse was systematic. Izabella was reportedly fed only one piece of bread per day for nutrition. Andrea Loving allegedly texted Nicholas on several occasions to ask for 'permission' to feed their daughter, with the answer typically being 'no'.
As punishment for stealing food or sweets, the couple are said to have locked Izabella in a 'crudely built cubby closet structure'.
Disturbing Internet Searches Revealed
In the period leading up to the tragedy, Andrea Loving conducted a series of alarming Google searches. These included:
- 'signs my child is dying'
- 'dark blood on boil when popping'
- 'how long can you go without food'
- 'kidneys failing'
- 'my five year old is peeing blood'
Despite these searches, and the fact the little girl had been coughing up blood and mucus for up to ten days, she did not receive timely medical care. Loving told police she was forbidden by Nicholas from taking Izabella to a doctor.
Confessions and Court Proceedings
During interviews, Andrea Loving expressed remorse. She told detectives she 'had no explanation' for why she allowed the abuse to continue and that she 'feels bad and guilty'.
She allegedly stated to investigators, 'I should go to jail for not helping her and Nick should go to jail for killing her.' While denying direct participation, she admitted to letting Nicholas 'kick' Izabella in the back, legs, and genitals while wearing boots.
Nicholas Loving has also been charged with murder. Court papers allege he killed Izabella by hitting, whipping, or shoving her head against a wall.
Both defendants are scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on February 6. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office stated the upgraded charge marks a 'significant step toward achieving full accountability' for Izabella's death.
