News Summary
The Tallahassee Police Department is investigating the homicide of a one-year-old child found unresponsive, following evidence of foul play. An autopsy revealed fatal injuries caused by blunt force, leading to the arrest of a suspect, Deric Young. The incident has raised concerns about child safety within the community and ongoing investigations are focused on ensuring the welfare of other children in the home.
Tallahassee Police Investigate Homicide of One-Year-Old Child
The Tallahassee Police Department is investigating the tragic death of a one-year-old child, which has been ruled a homicide following the discovery of evidence of foul play. The child was found not breathing on June 23, 2023, at approximately 9:15 a.m. on Saxon Street, prompting immediate life-saving measures before being pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly thereafter.
Details of the Investigation
Initially categorized as a death investigation, the case quickly escalated as an autopsy revealed that the child died from a brain hemorrhage and swelling caused by multiple strikes to the head. This led investigators to conclude that her death was not accidental. Deric Young, a 25-year-old man, has been arrested and charged with homicide and aggravated child abuse. Reports indicate that Young confessed to hitting the child during what he described as “playing,” but he insisted that he never intended to harm her.
Context Surrounding the Incident
Young claimed that he was sleep-deprived and stressed while caring for the one-year-old and her brother, making the situation more complicated. Additionally, he admitted to having smoked cannabis prior to the incident, raising further concerns regarding his state of mind at the time. Evidence collected during the investigation revealed suspicious bruising patterns on the child, corroborating the suspicions of abuse.
Legal Proceedings
According to court records, following the incident, Young left the child lying next to her brother. Authorities noted that Young is the boyfriend of a woman hired to look after the children in the home, which adds another layer to the investigation. A probable cause affidavit detailed that “forceful impacts” were significant factors contributing to the child’s death.
Young was expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing but refused his first appearance scheduled for July 21, 2023. Consequently, this hearing has been rescheduled for July 22, 2023, as the legal process surrounding this tragic case unfolds.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Safety
The State Attorney has emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are particularly focused on ensuring the safety of other children in the home. The Tallahassee Police Department has committed to protecting vulnerable children and encourages the community to report any suspicious activity that may put children at risk.
Conclusion
This case has drawn significant attention due to its heartbreaking nature and the implications of child abuse. As the investigation continues, the police and community officials are vigilant about the welfare of all children and are dedicated to preventing further tragedies like this one.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Man Arrested in Child Death Investigation
- Tallahassee Police Investigating Death of 5-Year-Old Girl
- Tallahassee Police Investigating Homicide After Body Found
- Midday Update on Child Death Investigation
- Florida Man Accused of Killing Toddler in His Care
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
