NAUSICCA R. THOMAS | Woman Who Gave 13-Month-Old an 'excessive' Dose of Zzzquil in a Desperate Bid to Quiet the Baby Charged With Murder | Autographed Letter Signed

Nausicca Thomas. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Peoria, IL. April 23, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.

A Peoria woman has been indicted on first-degree murder charges in the death of a 13-month-old boy, who authorities say suffered fatal injuries and a drug overdose after prolonged abuse.

Nausicca R. Thomas, 27, and her co-defendant, Tasheaunna Williams, 26—the child’s mother—were arrested in January following a weeks-long investigation into the December 2024 death of Hezekiah Williams. Court documents reveal disturbing allegations of neglect, physical abuse, and a lethal dose of an over-the-counter sleep aid.

A Tragic Case of Abuse

According to Peoria police, the women brought an unresponsive Hezekiah to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center on December 19, 2024. Medical staff quickly determined the child had been given 40 milliliters of ZzzQuil, an adult sleep medication—far exceeding the maximum recommended dose for even an adult.

Despite emergency treatment, Hezekiah remained in critical condition and died on December 27. An autopsy later revealed severe malnourishment, a lacerated spleen, and multiple signs of long-term physical abuse, leading prosecutors to argue the overdose was the culmination of ongoing mistreatment.

Charges and Court Proceedings

Thomas and Williams were indicted on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, child endangerment, and reckless conduct. During a March 6 hearing, a judge denied bond, citing the severity of the allegations.

“This was not an isolated incident,” said Peoria County Assistant State’s Attorney Jessica Cortes. “The evidence shows a pattern of abuse that ultimately led to this child’s death.”

Next Steps

Both defendants remain in custody at the Peoria County Jail, with their next court appearance scheduled for May 1, 2025. If convicted, they could face life in prison.

The case has drawn outrage from local child welfare advocates, with one group calling for stricter oversight in cases involving at-risk children.

VIDEO: Women who allegedly gave 13-month-old an ‘excessive’ dose of ZzzQuil are charged with murder?!?! | https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nsbxmiZ4_NI?feature=share

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