Birmingham, Alabama, January 16, 2026
A grand jury in Jefferson County has indicted Kayla Maria Nash and her boyfriend, Jakobi Daesha Collins-Rogers, related to the tragic death of four-year-old Zane Xavier Nash. The mother faces charges of aggravated child abuse, while the boyfriend is charged with felony murder and two counts of aggravated child abuse. Both are held without bond in jail as the case draws attention to child safety issues within the community.
Birmingham, Alabama – Mother and Boyfriend Indicted in Tragic Death of Four-Year-Old Boy
A Jefferson County grand jury has formally indicted a mother and her boyfriend in connection with the tragic death of her four-year-old son, Zane Xavier Nash, who died in August 2024. Kayla Maria Nash, 20, the child’s mother, was indicted on charges of aggravated child abuse. Her boyfriend, Jakobi Daesha Collins-Rogers, faces more severe charges, including felony murder and two counts of aggravated child abuse, stemming from the same incident. Both individuals are currently being held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail.
Details of the Indictment
The indictments, made public recently, represent a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Zane Xavier Nash’s death. The grand jury found sufficient evidence to proceed with these serious charges, indicating a belief that both adults played a role in the circumstances leading to the child’s demise. The charges underscore the gravity of the allegations, particularly felony murder for Collins-Rogers, which implies that Zane’s death occurred during the commission of another felony, such as child abuse. Aggravated child abuse charges against both individuals highlight allegations of severe mistreatment or neglect leading to the child’s suffering.
Circumstances Surrounding Zane’s Death
Four-year-old Zane Xavier Nash tragically died on August 2, 2024, at approximately 4:15 a.m. The young boy was pronounced dead at Children’s of Alabama hospital. While the specific details surrounding the events leading up to his death have not been fully disclosed, earlier reports in November 2024 indicated that Zane’s death was attributed to blunt force trauma. This finding significantly contributed to the initial felony murder and aggravated child abuse charges brought against Jakobi Daesha Collins-Rogers at that time.
Previous Charges and Legal Proceedings
The legal process began months before the recent indictments. In November 2024, Jakobi Daesha Collins-Rogers was initially charged with felony murder and two counts of aggravated child abuse. At that time, Kayla Maria Nash was also charged in connection with her son’s death. Both were subsequently held in the Jefferson County Jail without bond. In December 2024, a judge formally denied bond for Kayla Maria Nash. The grand jury’s recent decision to issue formal indictments means that a group of citizens has reviewed the evidence and determined there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused individuals committed it, moving the case closer to trial.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
Cases involving the abuse and death of a child often deeply impact the community, raising questions about child safety and protection. The ongoing investigation into Zane Xavier Nash’s death continues as the legal system prepares for the next stages of prosecution. Authorities are committed to pursuing justice for Zane, and the indictments reflect a dedicated effort to hold those responsible accountable. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of young children and the critical importance of ensuring their safety and well-being within their homes and communities. The legal proceedings will now move forward, with both Kayla Maria Nash and Jakobi Daesha Collins-Rogers facing the serious charges brought against them by the grand jury. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by those concerned with child welfare and justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are the latest developments in the case of Zane Xavier Nash?
- A Jefferson County grand jury has formally indicted the mother, Kayla Maria Nash, and her boyfriend, Jakobi Daesha Collins-Rogers, in connection with the 2024 abuse death of four-year-old Zane Xavier Nash.
- What charges do Kayla Maria Nash and Jakobi Daesha Collins-Rogers face?
- Kayla Maria Nash was indicted on charges of aggravated child abuse. Jakobi Daesha Collins-Rogers faces felony murder and two counts of aggravated child abuse.
- When did Zane Xavier Nash die?
- Zane Xavier Nash died on August 2, 2024, at approximately 4:15 a.m.
- Where did Zane Xavier Nash die?
- Zane Xavier Nash was pronounced dead at Children’s of Alabama hospital.
- What is the current status of the accused individuals?
- Both Kayla Maria Nash and Jakobi Daesha Collins-Rogers are currently being held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail.
Key Individuals and Charges
| Individual | Role | Charges (as per indictment) |
|---|---|---|
| Zane Xavier Nash | Victim | |
| Kayla Maria Nash | Mother | Aggravated child abuse |
| Jakobi Daesha Collins-Rogers | Mother’s boyfriend | Felony murder, two counts of aggravated child abuse |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Behavioral Technician Found Not Guilty of One Charge
Tragic Domestic Violence Incident Claims Life in Birmingham
Birmingham Welcomes New Legal Associate Kamryn Carpenter at Starnes Davis Florie LLP
Daniel Watson Sentenced to Death for Double Homicide
Birmingham’s Crime Trends Spark National Guard Debate
Sara L. Williams Joins Singleton Schreiber in Birmingham
Leavitt Blames Rising Crime in Birmingham on Democratic Policies
Pastor Faces Charges for Failing to Report Child Abuse
Woman Arrested Following Fatal Heatstroke of 3-Year-Old
Convicted Murderer Larry Lowe Kidnaps Texas Family
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
