MURRAY – Nathaniel Gibson pleaded guilty Monday to murder in the 2023 death of a 17-month-old girl, bringing one side of the long-running case closer to resolution as the child’s mother, Chyanne Niemeyer, awaits trial.
Gibson entered the plea in Calloway Circuit Court under an agreement with prosecutors that recommends a 30-year prison sentence. A first-degree criminal abuse charge against him was dismissed as part of the agreement.
Calloway Circuit Judge Andrea Moore scheduled Gibson’s sentencing for Sept. 8 at 8:30 a.m., after ordering a presentence investigation report to be prepared.
Gibson’s attorney, Zanda Myers of Bowling Green, objected to the sentencing date, saying presentence investigation reports in other counties where she practices are typically completed within about a month. She asked the court to order probation and parole to expedite the report.
Moore acknowledged Myers’ concern but said the court was aware that additional time was needed because the probation and parole officer who prepares presentence investigation reports is retiring and another officer is taking over those duties. She kept the September sentencing date.
Gibson, 23, and Niemeyer, 27, were arrested in October 2023 after taking Niemeyer’s 17-month-old daughter to the Murray-Calloway County Hospital emergency department with severe burns. The child was later pronounced dead.
A Calloway County grand jury indicted Niemeyer and Gibson the following month on charges of murder and first-degree criminal abuse of a child under 12. Both cases were effectively stalled for more than a year after Niemeyer’s competency to stand trial was questioned in December 2023. Moore ruled in April 2025 that Niemeyer is competent, allowing the cases to move forward.
The defendants later requested separate trials, with attorneys indicating they expected to present antagonistic defenses – meaning each defendant planned to implicate the other if the cases went to trial. Moore granted the request in October.
Monday’s plea followed mediations held last week in both cases, with retired Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John Minton serving as mediator. While Gibson’s case was resolved through a plea agreement, the parties did not reach an agreement in Niemeyer’s case.
Cheri Riedel, directing attorney for the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy’s Murray Trial Office, advised the court Monday that the mediation in Niemeyer’s case was unsuccessful and requested a trial date. Prior to Monday’s hearing, she filed a notice of intent to present evidence of mental disease or defect at trial.
Niemeyer’s trial is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on May 10, 2027, and continue May 12-14. A final pretrial conference is scheduled for April 19, 2027, at 8:30 a.m.
Niemeyer is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related coverage:
Murray couple pleads not guilty to murder in toddler death
Niemeyer and Gibson cases advance to grand jury
Niemeyer’s counsel requests additional evidence be collected
Grand jury returns indictments in child abuse case
Mother’s competency to stand trial questioned
Mother’s competency hearing set in murder/child abuse case
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