Nevada Father Accused of Killing 2-Year-Old Daughter Izabella to Cover Up Ongoing Abuse

Tragic circumstances surround the passing of 2-year-old Izabella, as her father faces severe abuse charges.

Cold Springs, Nevada — A father is facing severe child abuse charges in the death of his 2-year-old daughter, Izabella Loving after authorities say she was subjected to prolonged abuse, forced to sleep in a locked box, and left without medical attention for hours before a 911 call was made.

Nicholas Loving, 35, is being held at the Washoe County Jail on a $10 million bond. He has been charged with child abuse resulting in death following the disturbing events at the family’s Cold Springs residence, located roughly 20 miles northwest of Reno.

Washoe County Sheriff's deputies responded to the home shortly before 7 a.m. on April 3. Paramedics arrived to find Izabella unresponsive and pronounced her dead at the scene. The condition of her body revealed signs of extensive and ongoing abuse, prompting a full criminal investigation.

According to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by multiple news outlets, the child's mother, who has not yet been charged, told investigators she had witnessed Loving violently assault their daughter in the days before her death. She recounted seeing him kick the toddler in the genitals and drag her across the room by her sweatshirt. For nearly two weeks leading up to the incident, Izabella had been vomiting blood and mucus.

The mother reported that on the night of April 2, Izabella appeared weak, with a body temperature below normal. After bathing her, the child was placed to sleep inside a small, makeshift cubby measuring approximately five feet by five feet. Investigators discovered the cubby, which was described as a locked compartment in the children's bedroom.

Loving later admitted to police that he had locked Izabella inside the cubby before and that she would sometimes be kept there for hours. Around midnight, one of the couple's other children told them that Izabella had vomited. Two hours later, Loving reportedly opened the cubby and found her unresponsive.

Rather than calling 911 immediately, authorities say Loving and the child’s mother attempted to devise ways to hide the abuse. At one point, Loving allegedly suggested fleeing with the family and burying Izabella in the backyard. Instead, they chose to stage the scene by moving the child and her mattress across the room and claiming they found her unresponsive around 7 a.m.

The affidavit states that Loving tried to blame some of the injuries on the couple’s other children, claiming they had accidentally hurt Izabella with toys and a plastic bat. However, the extent of the child’s injuries painted a much darker picture.

Izabella had suffered at least 10 injuries to her face, including a black eye and a deep cut above the opposite eye. Additional trauma was discovered on her hips, genitals, pelvis, and both arms. Investigators documented extensive bruising and abrasions, indicating a prolonged pattern of physical abuse.

Medical examiners are still working to determine an official cause and manner of death, but authorities say more charges may be filed based on their findings.

During the investigation, Izabella’s mother expressed guilt for not intervening to save her daughter.

“I should go to jail for not helping Izabella. Nick should go to jail for killing her,” she reportedly told detectives.

Three other children, aged 4, 7, and 10, lived in the home. Their current condition and custody status have not been publicly disclosed.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office continues investigating this case and has not ruled out additional charges against the mother.