People gathered in downtown Reno Wednesday to protest the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office response to the Izabella Loving investigation.
The woman who organized the event said she wants stricter legislation which would allow children to be removed from their parents if abuse is suspected.
"I think we need to have stricter abuse laws so any reports of abuse I feel need to be investigated more. Maybe kids need to be removed from the house until the investigation is over,” says Ashley Viney.
She also said she doesn't think the prosecution of the case is moving quickly enough.
As we've reported District Attorney Chris Hicks has repeatedly said his office is gathering evidence and reviewing in thoroughly so they have the best chance for a conviction if and when any additional charges are filed.
Loving's father, Nicholas Loving, was arrested earlier this month and booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility for alleged Child Abuse Resulting in Substantial Bodily Harm. He's scheduled to appear in court in June.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office says the 5-year-old girl had several signs of trauma on her body when they found her.
Washoe County's Human Services Agency sent us this statement:
The Washoe County Human Services Agency takes all reports of suspected child abuse and neglect very seriously. HSA received and investigated more than 6,000 reports of suspected child abuse or neglect during Fiscal Year 2024. Child abuse and/or neglect is defined by Nevada Revised Statute Section 250.508, as “Willfully causing a minor (a child under the age of 18) to suffer unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering.” Our staff works diligently to protect Washoe County’s most vulnerable children and will continue to do so. We urge the community to contact us immediately at 1-833-900-SAFE if you suspect child abuse or neglect.
