A Florida man has been charged with murder in the death of a 1-year-old daughter he was babysitting; however, the baby’s twin brother remained unhurt.
Tallahassee police said Deric Young, 25, was detained on Tuesday.
He is accused of murder and aggravated child abuse in the death of Ky’meria German. His arrest came after Tallahassee police responded to a complaint on Monday about a 1-year-old infant not breathing in the 1700 block of Saxon Street.
Officers responded to the southwest Tallahassee residence and attempted to save Ky’meria’s life, according to the department. However, she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
As the investigation into the 1-year-old’s death began, police stated they “quickly uncovered signs of foul play.”
Ky’meria was left in Young’s care before her death because her mother’s cousin, her previous babysitter, went to work. Young’s arrest document, obtained by WCTV on Wednesday, revealed details of the investigation, including how Young broke down in tears only moments before admitting to detectives that he repeatedly beat the baby.
According to authorities, the kid “had suffered severe injuries, including multiple strikes to the head with a closed fist that ultimately caused the child’s death,” according to an autopsy.
Ky’meria is survived by her twin brother, who was also in the room during the alleged torture but was unhurt.
She is also survived by her older brother. According to the probable cause affidavit, Young used marijuana, which he claimed made him want “to play” with Ky’meria.
“You had to put your hands on her,” the baby’s mother, Nickaiya Walker, explained. “She was an innocent baby. She did not deserve it at all. “She did not deserve anything.”
Walker stated that Ky’meria adored the colour pink and was just starting to talk. But all of that has been taken away.
“Many people loved her,” Walker said. “[My cousin and Young] might have just called me. You could just have called my mother. “You could have just called anyone or a family member to get her.”
Walker said she is still dealing with the loss of her daughter, but both sides of the family have been supportive. She said they intend to constantly monitor the criminal case.
“My baby didn’t deserve that,” Walker explained. “She was a sweet baby. She was sweet. Why would you harm an innocent baby? She did not mean any damage at all.”
The child’s family has started a GoFundMe page to assist pay for the baby’s funeral expenses.
WCTV called the Public Defender’s office, which has been assigned to represent Young. They had not heard back by Thursday morning.
Reference: Man accused of punching 1-year-old girl to death while her twin brother was left unharmed