FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — A fourth person has been arrested in connection with the death of a 3-month-old baby who allegedly died from severe dehydration and malnutrition.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that the child’s biological father, 45-year-old Jason Gunter, was taken into custody by the United States Marshals Service at his home in Mechanicsville, Virginia.
Detectives had obtained an arrest warrant for Gunter in connection with the ongoing investigation into the child’s death. He has been charged with felony child neglect causing great harm and is awaiting extradition to St. Lucie County.
The arrest comes after three others were previously charged in the case: the child’s mother, 27-year-old Nicole Maxwell; the child’s grandfather, Robert Maxwell; and Robert Maxwell’s girlfriend, 38-year-old Vikki Koon.
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All three were charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child and aggravated child abuse. Each was held on a $1.5 million bond.
The investigation began on Aug. 20, 2025, when St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office crime scene investigators responded to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital after the baby’s grandparents brought the child to the emergency room, according to previous reports.
A fourth person has been arrested in connection with the death of a 3-month-old baby who allegedly died from severe dehydration and malnutrition. (SLCSO, WPEC)
Medical personnel told deputies the child had been pronounced dead and showed signs of injuries consistent with possible neglect.
Investigators interviewed family members and later executed a search warrant at a mobile home park. Working with the Florida Department of Children and Families, authorities ensured the safety of two other children living in the home by placing them in a safe environment.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active as the case moves through the judicial process.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.