September 20, 2025

Father Sentenced for Second-Degree Murder of Infant Daughter

Asheville, North Carolina, September 20, 2025

News Summary

Nickolas Shane Stephenson has been sentenced to 27 to 34 years in prison for second-degree murder and felony child abuse after the tragic death of his 12-week-old daughter, Riley. The sentencing followed a two-week trial where evidence revealed severe abuse and neglect. Family members expressed their grief in court, highlighting issues related to child protection. Stephenson’s partner, Diandra Haleigh Fuhr-Farlow, also faces charges connected to the case.

ASHEVILLE, North Carolina — Nickolas Shane Stephenson, 37, has been sentenced to 27 to 34 years in prison for second-degree murder and felony child abuse following the death of his 12-week-old daughter, Riley Stephenson. A Buncombe County jury reached this verdict after a two-week trial, during which deliberations lasted parts of two days. Originally charged with first-degree murder, he was convicted of the lesser charge.

Judge George C. Bell announced the sentence just before 4 p.m. in a courtroom filled with first responders, detectives, and deputies who had participated in the investigation. During the sentencing, family members delivered heartfelt statements expressing their profound grief and the long-lasting impact of the crime.

Riley’s grandfather, Michael Brent Farlow, described his intense sorrow and anger over the circumstances of his granddaughter’s life, stating he had only seen her once. Farlow also emphasized the shared culpability of both parents in the situation. He noted that his daughter, Diandra Haleigh Fuhr-Farlow, Riley’s mother, had already pleaded guilty to intentional child abuse that led to serious bodily injury.

Following the conviction, Judge Bell sentenced Stephenson to 200 to 250 months for second-degree murder and 125 to 162 months for felony child abuse, with the sentences mandated to run consecutively. This totals between 325 and 414 months in prison, equating to approximately 27 to 34 years.

Trial testimony revealed that Riley suffered from severe malnutrition, pneumonia, and various injuries leading to her tragic death. Evidence included witness statements detailing acts of abuse, alongside forensic testimony analyzing Riley’s condition at the time of her death. An autopsy confirmed multiple blunt-force trauma injuries in addition to malnutrition and pneumonia as the cause of death, officially ruling it a homicide.

Diandra Haleigh Fuhr-Farlow, also charged in relation to the case, remains incarcerated. Initially, both parents had their charges elevated to first-degree murder shortly after the infant’s death based on autopsy results and the ensuing investigation.

As of October 25, 2023, both Nickolas Shane Stephenson and Diandra Haleigh Fuhr-Farlow are being held at the Buncombe County Detention Center without the possibility of bond.

Background Context

This case attracted significant local attention due to the nature of the charges and the tragic circumstances of Riley’s death. The small community in Asheville has mourned her loss, and the legal proceedings have underscored issues surrounding child protection and abuse prevention. Both parents’ actions were closely scrutinized during the trial, enlightening the community on the potential consequences of neglect and abuse.

FAQ

What was Nickolas Shane Stephenson convicted of?

Nickolas Shane Stephenson was convicted of second-degree murder and felony child abuse for the death of his 12-week-old daughter, Riley Stephenson.

What was the total prison sentence for Stephenson?

Judge Bell sentenced Stephenson to 200 to 250 months for second-degree murder and 125 to 162 months for felony child abuse, amounting to a total of 325 to 414 months in prison, or approximately 27 to 34 years.

What conditions contributed to the death of Riley Stephenson?

Testimony during the trial revealed that Riley suffered from injuries, malnutrition, and pneumonia that ultimately led to her death.

What is the status of Riley’s mother, Diandra Haleigh Fuhr-Farlow?

Diandra Haleigh Fuhr-Farlow has previously pleaded guilty to intentional child abuse causing serious bodily injury and remains incarcerated.

Key Features

Feature	Details
Defendant	Nickolas Shane Stephenson, 37
Charges	Second-degree murder and felony child abuse
Victim	Riley Stephenson, 12 weeks old
Sentence Duration	27 to 34 years (325 to 414 months)
Trial Duration	Two weeks with two days of deliberation
Mother’s Status	Diandra Haleigh Fuhr-Farlow, pleaded guilty, incarcerated