Nikita Jones/Facebook
Police have arrested a North Carolina woman accused of abusing her newborn baby. Nikita Jones, 21, allegedly assaulted the 6-week-old baby girl and left her in a cold car without any heat while she worked. The infant sustained physical injuries, but no one knows exactly how long she sat in the car. Had the conditions been just slightly different, the story could have had a much more tragic end.
WRAL reported that the day Jones left her daughter in the car, temperatures dropped as low as 40 degrees. It’s unclear how long the infant was inside the vehicle. However, experts warn it only takes a few minutes for hypothermia to set in and turn deadly.
Jones reportedly abused the child on two separate occasions.
WRAL reported Jones allegedly punched her daughter in the face on November 20, 2024, which left her with bruising to both eyes, swelling, and a scratch on her face. The following day, the mother reportedly went to work at McDonald’s on East South Street. She then left the baby unrestrained in the back of the car. Jones did not leave the car running, and the temperature dropped as low as 40 degrees, WRAL reported.
Jones reportedly left her daughter in a dangerous situation.
Dr. Ryan Lamb, medical director and chair of emergency medicine at UNC Rex Holly Spring, told WRAL the infant could have had serious injuries.
“An appropriately dressed person in 40 degrees has hours,” Lamb explained. But, “Infants cannot regulate their temperature as well, and they have more body surface area compared to their body mass. There is more to keep warm.”
Lamb added that layers help keep a baby warm. However, liquids, including a wet diaper, could lead to trouble.
“Anything wet will dramatically change,” Lamb said. “If you are dry and have proper clothing on it will take a long time.”
Jones made a foreboding Facebook post in July.
The mother-to-be shared on social media, “Due in October and I named her Cheyanne Jones. I don’t think I’m ready for the big change coming up in my life but I’m willing to at least give it a shot before forcing it downhill pray for me.”
Loved ones shared encouragement at the time. “Always praying for you Love & the Baby my great grand baby omg God got you of encouragement,” someone wrote.
But now others wish she’d asked for help.
Someone else wrote, “Wish you would have reached out and asked ANYONE for help before you went on and hurt that poor innocent baby! How could you hit your two week old child and leave her to freeze in a car? Unbelievable!”
Jones faces multiple charges.
According to online jail records, police arrested Jones on December 2. She faces a charge of intentional child abuse causing serious physical injury and a charge of misdemeanor child abuse. The Wake County Sheriff’s office holds her on a $35,000 bond. Jones’ next scheduled court appearance is December 19.
