18-Month-Old Girl Killed as Florida Man’s Confession Uncovers Sinister Cover-Up

Lifestyle
Paul Johns
February 10, 2025
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7 minutes read

( Image: Flagler County Sheriff’s Office)

A Florida man has confessed to his role in the fatal shooting of an 18-month-old girl, shedding light on a case marred by allegations of evidence tampering and a months-long cover-up. C.J. Nelson Jr., 21, pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter with a firearm in connection to the Labor Day weekend tragedy in 2023.

The incident occurred just before midnight in a rental home on Ranwood Lane in Palm Coast, part of the Daytona Beach metro area. A frantic 911 call reported that a toddler had been shot in the head. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after. Eight adults were present at the scene at the time of the shooting, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

However, investigators believe the crime scene was tampered with and evidence was destroyed or cleaned up. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly stated during a press conference last year, “During the investigation, it became apparent the crime scene had been tampered with and evidence was likely disposed of and cleaned up, according to Law&Crime.

It was also obvious that, based on the evidence and scene, persons that were in the house when the shooting occurred were not being truthful to investigators.” Sheriff Staly urged those present during the shooting to come forward with the truth, emphasizing, “It would be a lot easier if everybody told us the truth.” He also clarified that the child did not handle the firearm, identified as an “American Tactical multi-caliber assault pistol.”

CJ Nelson Jr. confessed to the shooting of the 18-month-old girl ( Image: Flagler County Sheriff’s Office)

Nelson Jr.’s guilty plea marks a significant development in the case, though questions remain. Court documents show that while the first page of his plea indicates he is pleading guilty, the second page states he is pleading no contest. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled, and his plea is open, meaning there was no agreement for leniency between the state and the defense.

The case took a further turn when Nelson Jr.’s father, C.J. Nelson Sr., 46, was charged in January 2024 with two counts each of tampering with evidence and providing false information to law enforcement. Sheriff Staly alleged that Nelson Sr. orchestrated the cover-up, instructing witnesses to lie and staging the crime scene.

“Here’s what he did: he provided instructions on how to stage the scene. C.J. Nelson was observed taking the firearm used in the shooting from C.J. Nelson Jr., using a T-shirt to prevent and wipe off fingerprints from being found on the weapon, and placing it in the bedroom where deputies found it,” Staly said.

Nelson Sr. also allegedly told witnesses to provide an alibi for himself and his son, claiming they were outside smoking when the shooting occurred. Additionally, he instructed his son to shower while other family members took the child to the hospital.

The toddler’s biological father was not present at the scene, and her mother was among the adults questioned by investigators. As the case progresses, the community awaits justice for the young victim, whose life was tragically cut short. Nelson Jr.’s fate now rests in the hands of the judge, while his father faces charges for his alleged role in the cover-up.