Man charged in death of 3-year-old girl who was bound and beaten, deputies say

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB/Gray News) - Deputies in Florida say a man is facing child abuse charges after he allegedly bound and beat his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter, leading to her death.

Dozens gathered in protest Saturday to demand accountability in the death of 3-year-old Paisley Brown. The little girl died Thursday from injuries sustained during abuse at her Citra home, according to Marion County Sheriff’s deputies.

Jeroen Jarrel Coombs, 32, was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse in the case, with deputies saying additional charges are forthcoming. He is the boyfriend of Paisley’s mother.

Deputies say Coombs admitted to binding Paisley’s hands with a robe tie and her legs with painter’s tape to prevent her from reaching into her diaper. He allegedly dropped the 3-year-old on the floor while she was still bound and struck her multiple times.

Coombs reportedly told investigators he “took it too far.” He also said he was scared to call 911. After Paisley became unresponsive, he allegedly waited about 40 minutes before calling for help.

During Saturday’s protest, Paisley’s father, Robert Brown, addressed the crowd, expressing anguish over his daughter’s death, which he says was preventable.

“Paisley, she’s amazing. She’s a loving person, who’s always happy and goofy,” Brown said.

Community organizers and residents are calling for charges beyond Coombs’ arrest, demanding that Paisley’s mother also face criminal accountability.

Carley Santana, a protest organizer, criticized the pace of Marion County’s investigative process.

“I respect our law enforcement, but I’ve seen countless situations in Marion County where arrests are prolonged for months or even years,” Santana said. “I don’t think somebody should be walking free without at least being taken in, questioned and determined [responsible] by a police officer.”

The Florida Department of Children and Families has placed the four other children living in the home into custody.

Detectives are investigating whether there were prior signs of abuse and what Paisley’s mother, who was not home at the time, may have known about the circumstances leading to her daughter’s death and the delayed 911 call.

Brown says he has been working to rehabilitate himself after losing custody of his children following his own child abuse charge. He is now focused on seeking justice for his daughter.