A 32-year-old Florida man has been charged with aggravated child abuse in connection with the death of 3-year-old Paisley Brown near Ocala, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded around noon Thursday to a home on NE 44th Avenue after receiving a report of an unresponsive child. Paramedics transported Paisley to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Authorities say Jeroen Jarrell Coombs, who was watching the child at the time, called Paisley’s mother shortly before 11 a.m. to report that the girl was unresponsive. Investigators allege that 911 was not contacted for another 40 minutes. Coombs was the only adult present when the alleged abuse occurred and was taken into custody at the scene.
Allegations of Binding and Assault
According to investigators, Paisley had bruises and ligature marks on her wrists and feet, suggesting she had been bound. Deputies said Coombs initially claimed the child woke up “groggy,” but later admitted to tying her hands with a robe tie and her legs with painter’s tape to prevent her from reaching into her diaper.
Authorities allege Coombs told them he picked Paisley up while she was still bound and dropped her on the floor, after which she began gasping for air. He also allegedly admitted to punching and hitting the child before realizing he had “taken it too far.” Deputies say he told them he did not call 911 immediately because he was scared.
Investigators are awaiting autopsy results to determine the official cause and manner of death and said additional charges could be filed.
Family Speaks Out
Paisley’s great-aunt, Tabitha Harless, told local NBC affiliate WESH that she owns the trailer where the alleged abuse occurred and arrived after the incident. She said she attempted CPR and questioned the visible bruising on the child.
An older sibling reportedly told Harless that Coombs had punched Paisley. Harless said she believes the children were failed by the system and had experienced prior mistreatment.
Coombs is being held without bond at the Marion County Jail as the investigation continues.
