UPDATE - AUGUST 6:
This morning, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office formally booked Nicholas Loving on an additional charge of open murder, four months after the death of his daughter, Izabella Loving.
The charge follows the completion of a joint investigation by law enforcement and the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, which previously ruled Izabella’s death a homicide.
District Attorney Chris Hicks and Sheriff Darin Balaam both released powerful public statements reaffirming their commitment to justice for Izabella, who died in April under what authorities described as severe abuse and neglect.
Statement from District Attorney Chris Hicks:
“My entire office stands with the community in mourning the heartbreaking loss of Izabella Loving. Her death is a terrible tragedy that has shaken us all. I want to express my deep gratitude to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office for their relentless efforts and unwavering dedication throughout this difficult investigation.
From the onset, my team has worked hand-in-hand with investigators to ensure that every step taken in this case is thorough, deliberate, and grounded in the pursuit of truth. Justice for Izzy remains our highest priority.
Based on the evidence gathered so far, we have officially charged Andrea Loving with Child Abuse or Neglect with Substantial Bodily Harm or Death. In addition, we will be filing a formal charge of First-Degree Murder against Nicholas Loving this week.
While we must keep certain details confidential to protect the integrity of the ongoing legal process, we remain committed to transparency and will continue to share updates with the public as we are legally able.”
Statement from Sheriff Darin Balaam:
“Today is the next step in finding justice for Izzy. This heart-wrenching case of child abuse and cruelty deeply affected not only our community, but also our dispatchers, the deputies responding, investigators, crime scene investigators, crime lab, the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, members of the District Attorney’s Office, and now those involved within the court system.
From day one, I made the commitment that we would labor relentlessly to investigate this case and work tirelessly to be the voice for and bring justice to Izzy. The collaboration throughout this case so far has been outstanding.
As this case continues to move forward, we will not stop devoting ourselves to Izzy and achieving justice for her.
Lastly, I would like to mention one thing we have learned from this case – and a major reason I am making this statement today. Right now, there is a child in our community or any number of communities in our nation who is being abused or neglected. I’m pleading with every parent, adult, and our society that we must commit to being active advocates for our children. ‘If you see something, say something.’
Every child in every home – no matter their socio-economic status, race, gender, or nationality – deserves to live their childhood free of abuse and neglect.
I know that for the men and women who work throughout the Sheriff’s Office, Izzy and so many other tragic cases they have witnessed or investigated are their constant motivation to be that advocate and protector of our children, and I’m asking every member of our community to continue to be as well.
To the individuals who called on the Izzy case, I want to say to you, although we had the tragic outcome, thank you for being her advocates. We join you and will continue to be her advocates throughout the entire criminal justice process.
Given the ongoing investigation and sensitive nature of this event, we will have no additional comment today.”
UPDATE - AUGUST 5:
Bail has been set at $2 million for Andrea Loving, mother of Izabella Loving, who is facing charges of child abuse following the death of her daughter in an April homicide.
Bail was set with no 10 percent cash option and with conditions.
Those conditions include Department of Alternative Sentencing supervision, home confinement with a GPS device, no contact with Nicholas Loving, who is also facing child abuse charges, and no contact with her children unless authorized by the Human Services Agency.
Andrea Loving's next scheduled court appearances are a motion hearing on August 12 and a mandatory status conference on August 14.
UPDATE - JULY 30:
The Washoe County coroner has ruled the death of five-year-old Izabella Loving as a homicide.
The medical examiner’s office says the little girl she died due to bacterial pneumonia, but multiple blunt force injuries, malnutrition and dehydration, and medical neglect significantly contributed to her death.
As we've been reporting, Izabella's mother, Andrea Loving is now facing charges of child abuse alongside Izabella's father, Nicholas Loving.
Andrea was expected in court Wednesday morning for a bail hearing, but that has been pushed back to August 5th.
Afterwards, Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks released this statement:
"While we are unable to comment on an active prosecution, we remain steadfast in our commitment to securing full justice for Izabella Loving. As the case progresses, we will continue to keep our community informed to the extent that we are able, while staying in the parameters of the law."
UPDATE - JULY 28:
The mother of Izabella Loving, a five-year-old who was found dead at a Cold Springs home in April, has been charged with abuse as part of the investigation into the toddler's death.
Deputies walked Andrea Loving into the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detention Center on Monday evening.
She is facing charges of child abuse resulting in substantial bodily harm.
Deputies previously arrested Nicholas Loving, Izabella's father. He is also facing child abuse charges.
The investigation is ongoing.
UPDATE - APRIL 16:
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office and Washoe County District Attorney have released an update on the ongoing investigation of Izabella Loving who died earlier this month.
Sheriff Darin Balaam:
“On behalf of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, I want to provide an update to our community regarding the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of Izabella Loving. Our detectives continue to work diligently and with unwavering commitment to uncover the full truth and secure justice for Izabella. We are collaborating closely with District Attorney Chris Hicks and his team to build a strong, evidence-based case for prosecution. This process involves a meticulous review of all available evidence, including forensic findings, witness statements, and the conclusions of the medical examiner. We recognize the profound impact this case has had on our community, and we want to assure the public that we are fully dedicated to achieving a just outcome.”
District Attorney Chris Hicks:
“Like so many in our community, we are devastated by the loss of Izabella Loving and remain fully committed to ensuring accountability for those responsible. Our most experienced prosecutors are working in close coordination with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to support a comprehensive and thorough investigation. Once all evidence has been reviewed, we will carefully determine the appropriate charges in accordance with the law. We understand the community’s need for answers, and while certain details must remain confidential at this stage, we will continue to provide updates as legally permissible.”
UPDATE - APRIL 9:
District Attorney Chris Hicks issued the following statement Wednesday regarding the ongoing investigation into the death of a child, with signs of physical abuse :
"Like so many in our community, my office was heartbroken to hear of the death of Izabella Loving and the terrible injuries she suffered.
A complete and thorough investigation is critical to pursuing justice for this victim and it is our highest priority. As such, my office’s most experienced prosecutors are working closely with Sheriff’s Office detectives as they complete their investigation.
The District Attorney’s Office will then methodically review the evidence and ensure all legally viable charges are pursued. We will keep the community updated to the extent we can, but are not able to specifically comment on Loving’s case.
Generally speaking, initial charges filed in a case can be amended or added at a later date. Prosecutors must meet high burdens of proof at every stage, particularly when filing charges. These additions or changes are often based on results from further investigation, advanced forensic testing or, in the case involving a death, a coroner’s report or expert reviews.”
ORIGINAL STORY - APRIL 4:
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office says a man was arrested for child abuse after a child died on Thursday.
On April 3rd at around 6:50 a.m., deputies say they responded to a home in Cold Springs following a report of an unresponsive child.
Officials say when deputies and medical personnel arrived on scene, life-saving measures were unsuccessful, and the child was pronounced dead.
Investigators say during the investigation, detectives discovered significant signs of physical abuse on the child.
The child's father, Nicholas Loving, was arrested and booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility for alleged Child Abuse Resulting in Substantial Bodily Harm.
Sheriff Darin Balaam said, “This is an unimaginable and heartbreaking case of abuse that tragically ended in the loss of a child. Our hearts are heavy for the loss of such a young, innocent life. As we all mourn this tragedy, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to justice. We will ensure that the victim is not forgotten and that accountability is fully pursued.”
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the WCSO Detective Division at (775) 328-3320 and reference case number #25-1634.
