Denver Man Charged with Murder in Toddler’s Death

A troubling affidavit has emerged in the first-degree murder case involving the death of a 2-year-old girl in Denver. Nicolas J. Stout, 38, was arrested on the evening of October 1, 2023, following the discovery of his girlfriend’s daughter, Valkyrie Erickson, who was found unresponsive at their home on South Vrain Street.

While the precise cause of Valkyrie’s death remains under investigation, the affidavit indicates that Stout attributed her injuries to a fall. Witnesses, however, reported that Stout displayed aggressive behavior towards the child, often accompanied by loud noises resembling slapping coming from the bedroom.

According to the affidavit, Valkyrie’s mother, Melissa Wayne, and Stout claimed that the toddler fell while jumping on the bed the previous day. Stout stated he left the house around midnight to buy cigarettes and returned to find Valkyrie crying, but she soon fell back asleep. Tragically, she was discovered unresponsive the following morning.

Wayne described an incident where Valkyrie fell between the wall and the bed, sustaining an injury to her mouth and bruising on her head and face. The affidavit notes that officers found a six-inch gap between the bed and the wall in the bedroom shared by Wayne, Stout, and Valkyrie.

Police interviewed a man residing at the home who claimed to have frequently heard yelling and slapping noises directed at the child. Investigators also discovered bloody towels and rags in the trash, as well as a bloody handprint on the wall. Stout insisted that the blood was from Valkyrie’s lip injury sustained in the fall.

However, law enforcement officials determined that the injuries observed on Valkyrie’s body were inconsistent with an accidental fall. The affidavit describes multiple bruises in various stages of healing, a raised bump on her forehead, and indentations on her head, indicating a much more severe level of trauma.

Wayne informed police that Stout often yelled at Valkyrie regarding toileting issues and admitted to witnessing him smack the child at least twice the night before her death. Other residents described Stout as “short-fused,” “hot-headed,” and “unpredictable.”

Stout has denied the allegations of abuse, maintaining that Valkyrie’s injuries resulted from an accident while he was asleep. He now faces charges of first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. During his initial court appearance on October 3, 2023, he was denied bond.

A review of Stout’s criminal history reveals previous convictions, including a guilty plea for kidnapping in 2005, which resulted in five years of intensive probation. In 2012, he pleaded guilty to impersonating a police officer, while charges related to burglary, arson, and weapons possession were dismissed.

The tragic case of Valkyrie Erickson has highlighted concerns surrounding child safety and domestic violence. Resources for individuals experiencing domestic violence are available through organizations like Violence Free Colorado and the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.