In a deeply disturbing case from St. Cloud, Florida, a 24-year-old home health nurse, Nia Ayers, has been charged with aggravated abuse of a disabled person after security footage allegedly showed her abusing an 18-year-old patient who is non-verbal, quadriplegic, and diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
The victim, according to police, is fully dependent on caregivers for daily survival and cannot speak, move independently, or protect herself.
What Happened?
Ayers had been caring for the teen every Friday for about a year. On May 3, the teen’s mother noticed red marks near her daughter’s mouth and eyelid, raising immediate concerns.
When she reviewed security camera footage from that evening, she was horrified by what she saw and contacted the police.
“This is a truly heinous act,” said St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke. “The victim is completely unable to defend herself or call for help.”
What the Footage Showed
The footage allegedly showed Ayers:
- Taping the victim’s mouth shut, which the mother said was never allowed
- Aggressively pressing a washcloth to the teen’s mouth, apparently hindering her breathing
- Ripping off the tape forcefully, causing visible distress
- Pulling the girl’s arm with unnecessary force
- Shaking the girl’s breathing machine so violently that it caused her nose to bleed
- Rubbing her face aggressively and pinching her mouth area
In multiple scenes, the victim could be seen trying to pull away or showing signs of distress despite her physical limitations.
Nurse Surrenders to Police
After the allegations surfaced, Ayers turned herself in to authorities on Wednesday night, the St. Cloud Police Department confirmed.
Officials are now investigating whether there could be more victims connected to her care.
Victim Unable to Speak or Defend Herself
According to the arrest warrant, the victim is developmentally disabled, non-verbal, and completely dependent on others for all her needs, including eating, hygiene, and medical care.
The mother’s trust in a professional caregiver turned into a nightmare as she discovered how her daughter was allegedly being treated.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have not said whether Ayers had a history of complaints, but they are urging other families who may have used her services to come forward if they have concerns.