In a shocking turn of events, a couple in Chapin, South Carolina, has been arrested and charged with the murder of their seven-month-old daughter, Sage Nicks. Authorities allege that the infant died from blunt force trauma, an act deemed intentional by the county coroner. This disturbing case reveals a chilling facade as the parents, Kyla and Caleb Nicks, portrayed themselves as grieving parents on social media while seeking donations for meals just weeks after their daughter’s tragic death.
Emergency responders were called to the Nicks’ home on December 18, 2024, to find little Sage unresponsive. Despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. From the onset, investigators found the circumstances surrounding her death suspicious, prompting a thorough investigation.
On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024, authorities arrested the Nicks, charging them with homicide by child abuse. The coroner’s report indicated that the injuries sustained by Sage were not accidental, raising serious questions about the couple’s actions leading up to her death. In the weeks following the tragedy, Kyla Nicks took to Facebook, sharing links to a meal train for donations, asking for support while presenting an image of a devastated family. “Food is good for the soul and belly,” she wrote, as she and her husband received $365 in donations, all while the investigation loomed over them.
The coroner emphasized that the blunt force trauma was not only the cause of death but also an intentional act. Investigators took weeks to compile evidence, including reviewing pediatrician visits and emergency room records, to build a case that would ultimately lead to the couple’s arrest. Dr. Michelle Dupri, a former medical examiner, explained that child death investigations require meticulous attention to detail, and the signs of abuse often reveal a pattern rather than a single incident.
As the community grapples with the horror of this case, the Nicks remain behind bars, awaiting their bond hearings. The investigation continues to unfold, with many questions left unanswered about the circumstances leading to Sage’s tragic death. This heartbreaking story serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children and the importance of vigilance in protecting them. Authorities are committed to ensuring justice for Sage, who tragically lost her life far too soon.
