A Nevada woman is charged with murder after her 14-month-old daughter died of starvation while covered in bug bites and sores from lying in decaying milk and bodily waste, prosecutors say. The child's abdomen was permanently "sucked in" due to severe malnourishment.
Background
Alivia Thrift, 26, of Henderson, Nevada, was indicted on charges of murder and child abuse, neglect, or endangerment resulting in substantial bodily harm after the death of her daughter, Evangelina "Eva" Thrift, in March. Grand jury transcripts and police documents obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and KLAS describe deplorable conditions inside the young mother's home.
During a search of the apartment, investigators found a bassinet and crib with dried vomit on them, as well as a car seat covered in similar residue. Police reported that the living conditions were "very unsanitary and demonstrated signs of clear neglect," according to KLAS. Insects were observed throughout the residence, and Eva was reportedly covered in bug bites.
Clark County Medical Examiner Nathan Shaller testified before grand jurors that Eva died of starvation and showed signs of severe malnourishment. He described her permanently "sucked in" abdomen as a result of insufficient calorie intake — adding that she lacked enough energy to maintain bone marrow fat. The child also suffered from dehydration.
Shaller said the sores on Eva's body were consistent with chemical burns caused by prolonged contact with urine, feces, vomit, and decaying milk. "All these substances are caustic and can cause chemical burn-type injury to the skin," he testified.
Eva's father lives in Arizona and told the Review-Journal that Thrift wanted to raise her daughter on her own. The two were friends when Eva was born but not dating. Thrift's half-sister, Robin Yager, reportedly told grand jurors that Eva often wore wet clothing due to repeatedly spitting up formula. Yager said she suggested a possible milk allergy, but Thrift allegedly refused to change the baby's milk.
The Charges
The day before Eva died on March 24, Yager testified that Thrift knew her daughter was suffering but refused to seek medical help. "She's still refusing to call 911," Yager said. "She's still refusing to take her to the doctor." Yager went to Thrift's apartment in the early morning hours of March 25 and brought Eva out to her — describing the child as completely pale with a grayish hue and deep purple lips.
"[Eva] was completely pale colored, maybe even a light blue hue to her, just very grayish color and her lips were the deepest purple that I've seen and so I knew immediately she was deceased," Yager told grand jurors. She called 911 around 3:30 a.m., and officers found Eva dead at the scene.
Thrift was initially charged with child abuse, neglect, or endangerment resulting in substantial bodily harm. After an autopsy confirmed starvation as the cause of death, she received an additional murder charge.
Key Takeaways
- Alivia Thrift, 26, faces charges of murder and child abuse, neglect, or endangerment resulting in substantial bodily harm.
- Her daughter Evangelina, 14 months old, died from starvation and dehydration; her abdomen was permanently "sucked in."
- The baby had insect bites and chemical burns from lying in urine, feces, vomit, and decaying milk for extended periods.
- Medical examiner Nathan Shaller testified that the child's heart muscle showed signs of dying before death.
- Half-sister Robin Yager tried to intervene but said Thrift refused to call 911 or take Eva to a doctor.
What's Next
Thrift is scheduled for trial in March 2027. A trial readiness hearing is set for Oct. 22.