Home Health Nurse Arrested for Abuse and 'Torture' of Disabled, Non-Verbal Minor Patient

Disclaimer: This article discusses abuse and violence; it may be distressing to some readers. Discretion is advised. 

Image sources: St. Cloud Police Dept, Fox 35 Orlando

On May 7, 2025, Nia Ayers, a 24-year-old home health nurse in St. Cloud, Florida, was arrested and charged with aggravated abuse of an 18-year-old non-verbal, quadriplegic woman with cerebral palsy. The abuse, described by authorities as "heinous" and “acts of torture,” was discovered after the victim's mother noticed unexplained injuries on her daughter's face and reviewed footage from the family's home surveillance cameras.

Details of the Abuse

Surveillance video captured Ayers engaging in multiple abusive behaviors while caring for the patient, including:

• Repeatedly taping the victim’s mouth shut and forcefully ripping the tape off.
• Holding a washcloth over the victim’s mouth for extended periods, restricting her breathing.
• Aggressively shaking the patient’s BiPAP breathing machine while it was attached to her nose, causing a nosebleed.
• Pinching and shaking the victim’s head and body.

The victim, due to her medical condition, was unable to communicate or defend herself. The abuse reportedly occurred over several instances, raising concerns about the possibility of additional, undocumented mistreatment.

Response and Investigation

After the mother reported her findings, St. Cloud Police launched an immediate investigation. Ayers turned herself in to authorities and is currently being held at the Osceola County Jail without bond. Both healthcare agencies that employed Ayers have been notified, and her nursing license, active since 2021, had no prior complaints or disciplinary actions on record.

Police Chief Douglas Goerke condemned the abuse, stating, "This is an absolutely despicable act. The individual involved in this case is entirely incapable of defending herself or calling for assistance". Authorities continue to review surveillance footage and have encouraged any other families with concerns about Ayers’ care to contact the St. Cloud Police Department.

The arrest of Nia Ayers for the aggravated abuse of a disabled patient in St. Cloud is a sobering reminder of the trust placed in nurses and the ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities that come with it. Nurses must remain vigilant, advocate fiercely for their patients, and uphold the highest standards of care-especially for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Nurse.org will continue to update this article as more information becomes known.

 

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