Jeroen Jarrel Coombs Arrested After Death of 3-Year-Old Paisley Brown; Mother Jennifer Kendrick Launches GoFundMe as Marion County Sheriff’s Office Continues Investigation

A 32-year-old man has been taken into custody after authorities say he bound and fatally beat his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter inside a home in Citra, Florida.

Deputies responded around noon Thursday to a residence on NE 44th Avenue after receiving a report that Paisley Brown was unresponsive. Witnesses told investigators that Jeroen Jarrel Coombs had allegedly harmed the child. He was detained while attempting to leave and later questioned.

Investigators say Coombs had been alone with several children that morning and contacted Jennifer Kendrick shortly before 11 a.m. to report that Paisley was unresponsive, though a 911 call was not placed until about 40 minutes later. A juvenile witness reportedly described hearing Coombs strike the toddler and mentioned prior alleged abuse.

Authorities allege Coombs admitted he restrained the child overnight with a robe tie and tape, later dropping and repeatedly striking her before realizing he had “took it too far.” Paisley was transported to a hospital, where she died from her injuries.

Coombs was booked into jail on a charge of aggravated child abuse and is being held without bond. Detectives say additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.