CANDLER, NC — Nickolas Shane Stephenson, 34, and Diandra Fuhr-Farlow, 29, are in custody facing first-degree murder and intentional child abuse charges after the death of their 2-month-old daughter, Riley Leshae Hannah Stephenson. Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department records indicate the couple may receive life sentences if convicted.
Emergency services responded to a 911 call from the residence in Candler, situated 130 miles west of Charlotte, on June 28, 2022, at approximately 2:30 p.m. Fuhr-Farlow, who placed the call, informed dispatchers that her daughter was unresponsive in her crib.
First responders who arrived at the scene found Riley with multiple visible injuries and in a state of emaciation. Medical documents later revealed the presence of bruising and burns on the infant’s face. Riley was taken to Mission Hospital on Biltmore Avenue where she was declared dead that same evening.
According to hospital staff, the infant sustained extensive injuries including five distinct burn marks on her head and face, a fractured left collarbone, multiple broken ribs, a fractured right arm, and signs of dehydration.
During subsequent interviews, Fuhr-Farlow explained to investigators that the injuries stemmed from a bathtub accident where Riley struck her head on the faucet. She stated that she and Stephenson attempted to treat the resulting injuries with a hot/cold pack.
Both parents are awaiting their day in court, facing possible life sentences if convicted.
