Florida Toddler's Tragic Death After Mother's Boyfriend's Brutal Beating
A three-year-old girl described as "loving" and "goofy" has suffered a painful death in Florida after her mother allowed her boyfriend, who allegedly had a history of abuse, to move into their home. Paisley Brown was found unresponsive at around 12pm on Thursday after being brutally beaten by her mother's boyfriend, Jeroen Jarrel Coombs, according to police reports.
Details of the Incident
Coombs admitted to detectives that he bound the toddler's hands with a robe tie and her legs with painter's tape at their Citra home. The 32-year-old claimed he had restrained Paisley to keep her from reaching into her diaper the night before the incident. While the defenseless child was bound, Coombs said he picked her up and dropped her on the floor.
It was then that Paisley began gasping for air, and Coombs said he started striking the toddler multiple times, according to the sheriff's office. During questioning, Coombs told deputies that he realized he "took it too far" during the incident with Paisley and said he had been too scared to call 911.
Delayed Response and Investigation
Investigators discovered that Coombs had been left alone with the children that morning. Just before 11am, Coombs had let Paisley's mother know that the child wasn't responding, but it wasn't until around 40 minutes later that a 911 call was made. As emergency services responded to reports of the unresponsive toddler, Coombs allegedly attempted to leave the scene before he was brought in for questioning.
Paisley was transported to the hospital where she later died from her injuries. The four other children living in the home have been placed into custody by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Community Outrage and Family Response
A protest broke out in Citra on Saturday, during which Paisley's father, Robert Brown, told the crowd: "Paisley, she's amazing. She's a loving person, who's always happy and goofy." Organizers are calling for Paisley's mother to also face charges in relation to the incident.
"I respect our law enforcement, but I've seen countless situations in Marion County where arrests are prolonged for months or even years," Carley Santana, a protest organizer, told local media. "I don't think somebody should be walking free without at least being taken in, questioned and determined [responsible] by an officer."
Father's Heartbreaking Tribute
Paisley's father wrote on Facebook that he was a "devoted dad" who has been "overwhelmed with emotions." "Every time I glance at my phone, I'm reminded of my precious Paisley, breaking down like a baby all over again," he said. "Like any loving father would, I've felt the weight of this moment deeply."
He described Paisley as an "extraordinary individual, radiating happiness and joy wherever she went." "Her playful nature touched countless hearts," he added. "Though it's devastating that I have to bid farewell, I want to acknowledge the love we shared, and I'm filled with regret that circumstances didn't allow me to provide for you and your mom kept you guys from me."
Legal Proceedings and Additional Evidence
Coombs has been charged with felonious aggravated child abuse and child cruelty, with pending additional charges. A child told law enforcement that he heard Coombs strike Paisley and said there had been "prior physical abuse by Coombs" at the home, according to the sheriff's office.
Coombs was booked into Marion County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 24, 2026, according to jail records. The case continues to develop as investigators examine the circumstances that led to this tragic loss of a young life.
