Childcare Provider Arrested in Arkansas Day Care Center's Death
A home-based daycare provider in Arkansas has been charged with capital murder following the death of an eight-month-old baby in Little Rock
Deep shock has gripped Little Rock, Arkansas, following the death of an eight-month-old baby at a daycare center operating out of a private residence. The caregiver, 23-year-old Erin Sauls, was arrested and faces a capital murder charge for allegedly causing the child's death while changing his diaper.
According to court documents cited by local media, the incident occurred Tuesday morning at a home on Clifton Drive. Authorities say the caregiver lost control during a diaper change, repeatedly slamming the baby's head against the wooden floor after becoming frustrated and suffering from a severe headache.
Following the attack, the child began sweating profusely and developed a high temperature. The accused allegedly attempted to feed him with a bottle, but approximately 15 minutes later the baby stopped breathing, according to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
Little Rock police received the emergency call around 11:14 a.m. Upon arrival, they found the child unconscious. Emergency responders performed CPR while transporting him to a nearby hospital. However, the baby, identified by his family as Elijah Flowerday, was pronounced dead at the medical center.
The autopsy revealed that the child suffered a skull fracture and a brain hemorrhage. Authorities have classified the death as a homicide. The caregiver was later arrested after being taken into police custody and reportedly confessed to the attack during questioning.
The child's mother, Trinity Russell, told investigators that her son was perfectly healthy when she dropped him off at the daycare that morning, according to the arrest report.
The baby's family expressed their grief in a GoFundMe campaign, stating that they are experiencing a devastating loss. In the message, Isaac Flowerday, Trinity Russell, and their son Laylon asked for support as they try to cope with their grief and find comfort as a family.
Erin Sauls appeared in Little Rock District Court on Wednesday morning, where she pleaded not guilty to the capital murder charge. She is currently being held without bail in the Pulaski County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings.