TALLAHASSEE, FL – A Florida man is facing charges of murder and child abuse after he allegedly caused the death of a 1-year-old girl left in his care, claiming that the fatal injuries were inflicted while he was “playing” with her after smoking marijuana.
Deric Young, 25, the boyfriend of the child’s babysitter, was arrested on Monday and charged with murder and aggravated child abuse, according to court records obtained by Law&Crime.
The Incident and Investigation
At approximately 9:15 a.m. on Monday, Tallahassee police responded to a report of an unresponsive child at a residence on Saxon Street. First responders attempted lifesaving measures but the child was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Initially, the incident was treated as a death investigation. However, detectives soon discovered evidence of foul play. An autopsy revealed that the child had suffered severe injuries, including multiple blows to her head, which led to brain hemorrhaging and swelling, ultimately causing her death.
Investigators also found that the toddler had suffered a fractured femur that would have caused significant pain and affected her mobility.
Young’s Confession
After initially denying responsibility, Young was confronted with the details of the child’s injuries. Police say he then broke down, apologized, and admitted to causing harm to the child. He told detectives that he had struck the child multiple times with a closed fist on both sides of her head and face.
During a demonstration, Young reportedly reenacted the assault by striking a police officer’s hand with his fists, describing how he had hit the child two to three times on both sides of her head. He explained that the assault occurred while he was stressed and sleep-deprived while caring for the child and her brother.
Shocking Explanation
Young offered an unusual explanation for the fatal injuries, stating that he had been “playing” with the toddler when he struck her. According to the affidavit, he claimed that after smoking marijuana, he felt the urge to “play,” which led to the incident.
He further stated that he would not strike his own daughter, of the same age, in a playful manner, but maintained that he did not intend to cause the child’s death. He said he wasn’t aware that the force of his blows could lead to brain hemorrhaging.
Aftermath and Charges
Young allegedly left the child on the bed next to her brother after the assault, then returned to find her unresponsive. Fearing harm from his actions, he reportedly checked for a heartbeat, then rushed her to the living room and asked a relative to call 911.
Despite admitting to causing the child’s injuries, Young insisted that he did not intend to kill her, claiming that he had not been overly forceful when striking the child.
Young has been booked into Leon County Jail and is being held without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
