A heartbreaking child case in Florida has led to murder and child neglect charges after a 3-year-old girl died following severe abuse at home. Authorities say the child’s mother allegedly knew her boyfriend had been mistreating the children but failed to act.
Florida Toddler Dies After Alleged Abuse at Home
Three-year-old Paisley Brown died after suffering injuries while in the care of her mother’s boyfriend, Jeroen Jarrell Coombs, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
Coombs, 32, has been charged with murder and aggravated child abuse. Paisley’s mother, Jennifer Kendrick, 26, is facing two counts of child neglect.
Investigators say the tragedy unfolded on Feb. 19 at a home in Marion County.
Case Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Paisley Brown |
| Age | 3 years old |
| Suspect | Jeroen Jarrell Coombs |
| Suspect Age | 32 |
| Mother | Jennifer Kendrick |
| Mother’s Age | 26 |
| Location | Marion County, Florida |
| Charges | Murder, child abuse, child neglect |
FaceTime Call Revealed Child Was Unresponsive
According to investigators, Kendrick was at a nail salon when she made a FaceTime call to Coombs, who was watching the children at home.
During the call, Coombs reportedly told her that Paisley was unresponsive.
When Kendrick asked to see her daughter, he turned the camera toward the child. Authorities said Paisley appeared:
- Pale
- Limp
- Barely responsive
Despite seeing her condition, investigators say Kendrick did not immediately call 911 or rush home.
Police allege she finished getting her nails done before leaving the salon.
Emergency Call Came About 40 Minutes Later
Authorities say Kendrick called both Coombs and her mother while driving home.
When she arrived at the house, she reportedly saw Paisley sitting limp in a high chair.
According to investigators, Kendrick shouted that her baby was gone and told Coombs to call 911.
By that time, about 40 minutes had passed since the FaceTime call.
Paramedics rushed Paisley to the hospital, but she was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Investigation Revealed Pattern of Abuse
During the investigation, detectives uncovered disturbing details about how Paisley and the other children had allegedly been treated in the home.
Authorities say Kendrick later admitted she had ignored warning signs of abuse.
According to police, she told investigators she had “overlooked a lot for the sake of the relationship.”
Investigators also noted that several of the children appeared underweight.
Children Allegedly Restrained and Punished
Police say Coombs admitted to restraining Paisley with a robe tie and painter’s tape to stop her from reaching into her diaper during the night.
Investigators also discovered that another child in the home had allegedly been handcuffed and beaten.
According to authorities:
- Paisley had bruises and ligature marks on her wrists and feet
- Another child was reportedly handcuffed at the time of her death
- Kendrick allegedly removed the handcuffs before calling 911
The home also contained four other children ages 9, 6, 4, and 1.
Suspect Admitted Causing Fatal Injuries
During questioning, police say Coombs admitted to several violent actions that led to Paisley’s death.
Investigators say he told detectives he:
- Bound Paisley’s hands and legs overnight
- Dropped her on the floor while she was still restrained
- Punched and struck the child multiple times
According to police, he later admitted that he “took it too far.”
Coombs also allegedly said he hit the child in the chest several times before she became limp.
He reportedly never called emergency services because he said he was afraid.
Relative Tried to Save the Child
Paisley’s great-aunt, Tabitha Harless, said she rushed to the home after learning about the emergency.
She told reporters that she attempted CPR while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
Harless said she immediately noticed injuries on the child and questioned how they occurred.
According to her, one of Paisley’s siblings told her that Coombs had attacked the girl.
Family Says Children Were Failed by the System
Harless believes Paisley and her siblings were failed by adults and the child welfare system.
She said the children had experienced mistreatment for some time and described the situation as heartbreaking.
The case has sparked outrage in the community and renewed questions about child protection and reporting suspected abuse.
Suspects Held Without Bond
Both Coombs and Kendrick are currently being held at the Marion County Jail.
Authorities say they are being held without bond while the case moves forward through the courts.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Paisley’s death and the conditions the children were living in.
