The owner of a Little Rock home daycare, 23-year-old Erin Sauls, has been charged with capital murder after 8-month-old Elijah Flowerday was found unresponsive at the facility on Dec. 30 and later died at a hospital. Police say Sauls allegedly admitted to repeatedly slamming the infant's head on the floor while changing his diaper; medical examinations reportedly found skull fractures and brain bleeds consistent with that account. Sauls pleaded not guilty on Dec. 31 and was ordered held without bail. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses.
Daycare Owner, 23, Charged With Capital Murder After 8-Month-Old Found Unresponsive
Little Rock Police Department; GoFundMe
A Little Rock home daycare owner has been arrested and charged with capital murder after an 8-month-old boy was found unresponsive and later died, according to police.
Little Rock Police Department
What Happened
On Dec. 30 at 11:14 a.m., Little Rock Police Department officers responded to the residence where 23-year-old Erin Sauls operates a home daycare. First responders found the infant, later identified as 8-month-old Elijah Flowerday, unresponsive. Emergency CPR was performed at the scene and the child was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
GoFundMe
Police Account and Medical Findings
Authorities say an initial investigation determined the child’s death was a homicide. According to the police report, Sauls allegedly admitted during an interview that she repeatedly slammed the infant’s head onto the floor while changing his diaper, telling officers she had been "frustrated and had a headache." Investigators say that account is consistent with medical findings of skull fractures and brain bleeds.
Arrest And Court Proceedings
Sauls was arrested the same day. Court records show she made her first appearance on Dec. 31 and entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of capital murder. A judge denied a request for bail and ordered Sauls to remain in custody pending further proceedings.
Family And Community Response
Family members have identified the victim as Elijah Flowerday. A GoFundMe page has been created to assist the family with funeral expenses; organizers note the family is grieving and facing difficult days ahead.
Note: All allegations described here are from the police report and have not been proven in court. The investigation is ongoing and more information may be released by authorities.
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