***Editor's note: Some of the details regarding this case may be hard to read.
UPDATE:
New details released Wednesday in the latest heartbreaking child death in Tallahassee. A 25-year-old man arrested and charged. We're looking into what we know about this case and next steps.
Court records described disturbing details about the death of the one year.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the child had "one or more forceful impacts to the left and right sides of her head/face" causing her brain to "hemorrhage and swell, eventually causing death." In additional, she suffered an "acute fracture to her left femur."
Deric Young is now facing homicide murder and child abuse charges in the child's death.
Police found the child not breathing when they were called to a home on Saxon Street Monday.
Court records said that Young admitted to striking the child while "playing" with her, saying he didn't mean to cause her death.
In those court records detectives said Young also told them that he was sleep deprived and stressed while watching her and her brother.
And while Young is currently in custody, State Attorney Jack Campbell says they're not done with their investigation by any stretch.
"Obviously, we're going to continue that investigation," said Campbell.
"We're going to continue to look into the home. We want to make sure that any other children in the home are kept safe and make sure that they're not in any danger at this particular point."
As for Young's connection to the children, police said he is the boyfriend of a woman who was hired to watch them the night before the child was killed. Young was expected in court Wednesday for his first appearance, but refused.
Judge Riggans moved Young’s first appearance in court to Thursday after he refused his appearance Wednesday.
UPDATE:
The Arrest Probable Cause Affidavit has been released regarding the child death investigation in Tallahassee. On Tuesday, June 24th, the Tallahassee Police Department announced they arrested 25-year-old Deric Young following a death investigation that was later ruled a homicide involving a one-year-old child. The affidavit says an autopsy
revealed the child died due to a brain hemorrhage and swelling.
In the affidavit, it says Young admitted to hitting the child in her head and face with his fists. Young told detectives he was sleep deprived and was feeling stressed while watching the one-year-old and her brother. The report states Young claimed he was "playing" with the child when he hit her. Young also admitted to smoking cannabis right before the incident.
In the report, Young states that after he hit the child, he left her lying in the bed next to her brother, and when he came back, he listened for a heartbeat and couldn't find one. Young then says he rushed her to the living room, where he called 911.
Young says that while he admits to causing harm to the child, he didn't intend for it to cause the child's death and that he didn't know that such blows could cause hemorrhaging in her brain, according to the affidavit.
The report states based on the facts known, Young was arrested and charged with murder and aggravated child abuse.
READ THE FULL AFFIDAVIT BELOW:
Original:
Police say a child death investigation is now a homicide after police uncovered what they're calling signs of foul play.
- 25-year-old Deric Young was arrested in connection with the one-year-old's death.
- Police say the child was found not breathing on Monday at a residence on Saxon Street.
- According to police, an autopsy revealed the child had suffered severe injuries, including multiple strikes to the head with a closed fist.
TPD News Release:
The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) has arrested 25-year-old Deric Young following a death investigation that was later ruled a homicide involving a one-year-old child.
On June 23, at approximately 9:15 a.m., first responders were dispatched to a residence in the 1700 block of Saxon Street in reference to a child who was not breathing. Life-saving measures were immediately attempted, but sadly, the child was pronounced deceased at a local hospital.
Initially treated as a death investigation, detectives quickly uncovered signs of foul play. An autopsy revealed the child had suffered severe injuries, including multiple strikes to the head with a closed fist that ultimately caused the child’s death. Based on these findings and additional evidence, TPD’s Violent Crimes Unit took over the case.
As the investigation evolved, Detectives learned the child was left in the care of Young, the boyfriend of the woman hired to watch the child, the night before the incident occurred.
Detectives developed probable cause and arrested Young for murder and aggravated child abuse.
TPD remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable and holding offenders accountable. If you see something, say something. Report suspicious activity by calling TPD at 850-891-4200 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.
Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.
Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.
