Man arrested in death of 3 yr old girl

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A man was taken into custody after he allegedly caused the death of a child.

According to a statement issued by the Marion County Sheriff's Office, a 32-year-old Jeroen Jarrel Coombs was arrested in Marion County, Florida in connection with the death of a three-year-old girl after investigators said she was struck multiple times and suffered injuries that proved fatal.

Coombs was arrested on an aggravated child abuse charge after investigators said he struck three-year-old Paisley Brown multiple times, resulting in her death. Additional charges are expected, authorities said.

Deputies responded to a home on NE 44th Avenue in Ocala, Florida after receiving a report around noon Thursday that Paisley was unresponsive. Medics took her to an area hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

When deputies arrived, they were told Coombs was the one who harmed Paisley and that he was attempting to leave, according to investigators. Coombs was detained for questioning as detectives began a homicide investigation.

Detectives said their investigation and witness interviews determined Coombs was home alone with the children the morning of the incident. At about 10:58 a.m., investigators said, he notified the child’s mother that Paisley was unresponsive but did not call 911. A 911 call was made about 40 minutes after realizing she was injured, investigators said.

A juvenile witness told law enforcement that he heard Coombs strike Paisley and also disclosed prior physical abuse by Coombs.

During an interview, investigators said Coombs initially claimed Paisley was groggy when she woke up. Investigators said that after he was confronted about bruising and ligature marks, Coombs admitted causing the injuries that led to her death.

Investigators said Coombs told detectives he had bound Paisley’s hands with a robe tie and her legs with painter’s tape the night before to prevent her from reaching into her diaper. He said he picked her up while she was still bound and dropped her on the floor, after which she began gasping for air, according to investigators. He then admitted striking her multiple times before realizing he “took it too far.”

According to WESH, the child's mother was on the phone with the suspect around an hour before he called 911, and said she heard her say, "I love you, mommy."

It would become the last time she heard her daughter's voice, per the report.

When asked why he did not call 911, investigators said Coombs stated he was scared.