3-Year-Old Girl Found Unresponsive in Citra Home; Boyfriend Arrested on Aggravated Child Abuse Charge

On February 20, 2026, Marion County sheriff’s deputies responded to a home on Northeast 44th Avenue in Citra, Florida, after receiving a report of a 3-year-old girl who was unresponsive. The child was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.
The victim was identified as 3-year-old Paisley Brown.
Authorities arrested 32-year-old Jeroen Jarrel Coombs on a charge of aggravated child abuse. Additional charges are expected pending the Medical Examiner’s report.
According to investigators, Coombs, the boyfriend of Paisley’s mother, was home alone with multiple children that morning. A child witness told deputies he heard Coombs hit Paisley.
Detectives say Coombs admitted to binding the child’s hands with rope and her legs with tape. He also admitted to hitting her multiple times and dropping her on the floor. He told investigators he “took it too far” and stated he was too scared to call 911.
Authorities reported that a 911 call was not placed for approximately 40 minutes after Paisley was said to be unresponsive.
Arrest Report Timeline:
9:15 a.m. — Paisley’s mother left the home to go to the DMV and a nail appointment. She stated the children were asleep.
10:29 a.m. — The mother spoke with Coombs by phone and said she should hear Paisley’s voice.
10:49 a.m. — The mother sent Coombs a photo of her nails. He did not respond.
10:58 a.m. — The mother videochatted with Coombs and saw Paisley pale and limp. She stated she told him to call 911.
11:38 a.m. — The first 911 call was placed after the mother arrived at the home.
Paisley’s great aunt, Tabitha Harless, arrived before emergency crews and immediately attempted CPR. She later stated that Coombs admitted he hurt the child.
Investigators are examining whether Paisley or the other children in the home were previously abused. The four other children were turned over to the Department of Children and Families.
Coombs remains in custody as detectives continue their investigation.

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