Child victim in 2023 abuse case dies; case active

Date Added: April 22, 2026 3:36 pm

CASE UPDATE: The child victim in a 2023 shaken baby case passed away this morning at the age of 3 1/2 while under hospice care at home.

The child never made progress toward regaining brain function following the abuse he endured at the age of 3 months in 2023.

Today, the Medical Examiner’s Office took custody of his body for an autopsy.

Although the defendant, Malcolm Nelson, pleaded no contest to aggravated child abuse and was sentenced in June of last year, Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced VSO intends on pursuing upgraded charges if the death is determined to be a homicide based on the autopsy results and a thorough review of medical records.

This case remains active in consultation with the Medical Examiner and State Attorney's Office.

The original 2023 news release is here.