Marion County Mother Apprehended Following Tragic Death of 3-Year-Old Daughter, Authorities Report

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – This week, a mother from Marion County was arrested following the tragic death of her 3-year-old daughter, who was fatally beaten back in February, as reported by the sheriff’s office.

The incident reportedly took place on February 19, when deputies were called to a residence situated in the 16500 block of NE 44th Ave, according to an official release.

[BELOW: Review News 6’s previous reports on the case]

Upon arrival, authorities discovered the young girl, identified as Paisley Brown, unresponsive. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, she succumbed to her injuries, deputies stated.

Investigations revealed that on the morning of the incident, 32-year-old Jeroen Coombs was the only adult at home with Paisley, as confirmed by the deputies.

Around 10:58 a.m., Coombs notified the girl’s mother — Jennifer Kendrick, 26 — that Paisley was unresponsive but waited around 40 minutes to call 911, the release shows.

Detectives said that Coombs later admitted to causing the injuries that led to Paisley’s death.

“Coombs, who was previously arrested for aggravated child abuse, has now been additionally charged with homicide after he struck 3-year-old victim Paisley Brown multiple times, resulting in her death,” the sheriff’s office announced on Wednesday.

[BELOW: Bodycam footage shows Coombs’ arrest after child’s death]

Meanwhile, Kendrick spoke with detectives on Wednesday, initially denying the abuse, investigators said.

“She was confronted with evidence obtained during the investigation and admitted she was aware that Coombs had previously bound and abused Paisley,” the release continues. “Kendrick acknowledged that she failed to protect Paisley and that her lack of intervention, despite knowing what Coombs was doing, allowed the abuse to continue and contributed to the death of 3-year-old Paisley Brown.”

As such, Kendrick was arrested and now faces two counts of felony child neglect. She was also on felony probation, which deputies said she violated.

”What we learned is that this child was punished, according to Mr. Coombs. She was taped up with painter’s tape from her thighs to her ankles, and also, her hands were tied and bound with a bathrobe belt, tie, as punishment for reaching into her diaper. Again, in his words,” Lt. Paul Bloom said last month. “He told our detectives that he picked his child up out of her playpen and accidentally dropped her, and that’s why the injuries, but then he said, ‘I did pop her three times, punching her in the chest, and notified her mother.’”

Both Kendrick and Coombs are held without bond.