FLORIDA — A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of a 3-year-old girl in Marion County, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies identified the suspect as Jeroen Jarrel Coombs. Authorities say Coombs is accused of striking the child, identified as Paisley Brown, leading to injuries that ultimately caused her death.
Deputies responded to a home in Marion County after receiving reports of an unresponsive child. Brown was transported to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Investigators said witnesses at the scene told deputies that Coombs was responsible for the child’s injuries. During the investigation, authorities learned that Coombs had been alone with the children Thursday morning.
Around 10:58 a.m., he told the victim’s mother that the child was unresponsive but did not call 911 at that time, according to deputies. Law enforcement was notified approximately 40 minutes after the child was injured.
A witness told investigators that he heard Coombs strike the child and reported prior abuse. Deputies said Coombs was questioned about bruises and marks found on the child’s body and later admitted to causing the injuries that led to her death.
According to investigators, Coombs told authorities that the night before, he restrained the child by tying her hands with a robe belt and taping her legs with painter’s tape. He claimed it was to prevent her from reaching into her diaper. Deputies said he admitted that while she was restrained, he picked her up and dropped her, causing her to gasp for air. He also confessed to striking her multiple times and acknowledged, “I took it too far.”
When asked why he did not immediately call 911, deputies said Coombs told investigators he was scared.
Coombs has been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse. Authorities said additional charges could be filed as the homicide investigation continues.
