A Florida man has been charged with murder in the death of a 3-year-old girl, while the child’s mother has been arrested for allegedly failing to stop the abuse, authorities said.
Jeroen Jarrel Coombs, 32, was initially charged with aggravated child abuse but now faces a murder charge after admitting to repeatedly beating 3-year-old Paisley Brown while caring for her and four other children.
The child’s mother, Jennifer Farrah Kendrick, 26, was arrested March 4 on two counts of felony child neglect. Investigators say Kendrick knew about the abuse but failed to intervene. Both suspects are currently being held without bond at the Marion County Jail.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Coombs restrained Paisley by tying her arms with a robe tie and binding her legs with tape before repeatedly striking her, causing fatal injuries.
Deputies responded Feb. 19 to a home on Northeast 44th Avenue in Citra, Florida after Paisley was found unresponsive. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she later died.
Investigators reported that the child had visible bruising on her chest and private areas, as well as possible ligature marks on her wrists and ankles. Authorities also said Coombs waited about 40 minutes to call 911 after discovering Paisley was unresponsive, reportedly because he was afraid. Investigators said he later wrote a letter apologizing for the child’s death.
Detectives also interviewed other children living in the home, ranging in age from 1 to 9 years old. According to investigators, several of the children reported that Coombs had handcuffed them and physically abused them as well.
Authorities said Kendrick initially denied knowing about the abuse but later admitted she was aware Coombs had harmed Paisley and did nothing to stop it. Investigators say her inaction allowed the abuse to continue.
Kendrick is also facing a probation violation connected to prior felony charges.
During a recent court hearing, Peter Brigham, a circuit judge, denied bond for Coombs.
Authorities have not yet indicated whether Kendrick could face additional charges beyond the current child neglect counts as the investigation continues.
