Florida Man Accused of Calling Abused Toddler “It” Could Face Death Penalty

A man accused of horrific crimes against a 2-year-old girl is now facing the possibility of the death penalty, as new and deeply disturbing details unfold in a courtroom that has left many people shaken.

Nicholas Stephen Canfield, 30, is charged with the brutal abuse and murder of his fiancée’s young daughter, a crime that prosecutors say involved repeated physical and sexual violence over time. His trial began this week in Lee County, where prosecutors are seeking the ultimate punishment for what they are calling one of the most severe child abuse cases they’ve ever seen.

A Chilling Detail: Calling a Child “It”

Among the many haunting revelations in the case, one detail in particular has gripped public attention — during police questioning, Canfield allegedly referred to the 2-year-old girl not by name, not even as “she” or “her,” but as “it.”

Detectives say that when asked about what happened, Canfield showed little emotion and avoided using any personal or humanizing language about the child. To investigators and prosecutors alike, that moment revealed something even more unsettling than the physical abuse — a glimpse into the mindset of someone who saw the child as less than human.

“This isn’t just a case of murder. This is about a child who suffered unimaginable pain and wasn’t even afforded the dignity of being seen as a person,” one investigator told reporters off record.

A Toddler’s Final Days

According to court documents, the little girl’s body showed signs of ongoing abuse, including multiple broken bones in different stages of healing and injuries consistent with sexual assault. Emergency responders were called to a mobile home in North Fort Myers last October, where the girl was found unresponsive. She was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Canfield was arrested shortly after, and the girl’s mother — his fiancée — is also under investigation but has not yet been charged in connection with the abuse.

Prosecutors say the child had endured months of torment, and the forensic evidence backs up a timeline of long-term suffering. In court, photos and medical records were shown to the jury, and even seasoned courtroom observers were reportedly moved to tears.

A Community in Shock

News of the child’s death rocked the North Fort Myers area. Vigils were held in the weeks following the arrest, with residents gathering to leave flowers, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes outside the home where the little girl once lived. Many community members say they are still struggling to make sense of the case.

“I just can’t believe someone could do something like this,” said one neighbor, who asked not to be named. “She was a baby. She should’ve been safe and loved. It’s heartbreaking.”

Online, hundreds of people have taken to social media demanding justice, with hashtags like #JusticeForHer and #SayHerName circulating widely.

What’s Next in the Trial

Canfield has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and sexual battery of a child under 12. If convicted, the state is pursuing the death penalty — a rare step that reflects how serious the charges are.

Legal experts say this case could become a landmark for how Florida handles extreme child abuse prosecutions. It’s already drawing attention beyond the region, with national outlets picking up the story as the trial unfolds.

The defense has not yet revealed how they plan to respond to the allegations, but it’s clear the path ahead will be emotionally intense and closely watched.

Remembering a Life Lost

While the courtroom focuses on testimony and legal arguments, many in the community say they just want to remember the 2-year-old for who she was — a little girl with her whole life ahead of her, taken far too soon.

“She should be running around, laughing, going to preschool,” said a local child advocate. “We have to do better. We have to make sure this doesn’t happen to another child.”

As the trial continues, emotions remain raw. But one thing is certain — the small child at the center of this tragic case will not be forgotten.