1-year-old girl died after the woman hired to watch her left the girl in the care of her boyfriend who got high and struck her to the head with a closed fist; man charged
Florida – In a tragic and deeply disturbing case in Florida, a 1-year-old girl, identified as Ky’meria G. lost her life after being violently assaulted by the boyfriend of the woman hired to babysit her. The accused, 25-year-old D. Young, has been charged with murder and aggravated child abuse following an admission that he punched the child in the head and thigh, causing fatal injuries. The victim died shortly after being rushed to a local hospital.
Police were called to a residence around 9:15 a.m. on Monday, following a report of an unresponsive child. First responders found Ky’meria not breathing and began life-saving efforts. She was transported to a nearby hospital but was tragically pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Initially treated as a potential medical emergency, the case quickly escalated when detectives uncovered signs of foul play. The police department’s violent crimes unit took over the investigation after the child’s injuries raised serious concerns. An autopsy later confirmed what investigators feared: Ky’meria had suffered multiple blunt force injuries, including severe trauma to both sides of her head and a fractured femur.
At the time of the incident, Ky’meria and her twin brother were left in the care of Young by his girlfriend, the children’s regular babysitter, who had been called to work. The twin brother was found unharmed. Young initially denied harming the child. However, after being confronted with medical findings, he broke down in tears and admitted to repeatedly striking Ky’meria. He claimed he had been “just playing” with the toddler and that he had gotten high moments before the abuse occurred.
In a recorded reenactment with detectives, Young demonstrated how he had punched the child in the head using a closed fist, striking both the left and right sides of her face. He also admitted to punching her in the thigh, which authorities believe caused the fracture in her femur. Investigators described the level of force that ultimately led to the girl’s death as substantial. Despite the horrifying nature of the injuries, Young insisted he had not lost his temper, nor did he believe his actions could lead to the girl’s death. When asked whether he would hit his own daughter in such a way, he said he would not.
After the attack, Young left the child lying on a bed beside her twin brother. Later, when he returned to check on her and found she had no heartbeat, he rushed her into the living room and asked a relative to call 911, police said. Young has been charged with murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse and cruelty toward a child by aggravated battery. Following his arrest, he was booked into the county jail, where he remains without bond. He refused to attend his initial court appearances on Wednesday and Thursday, but the judge moved forward with the hearing and officially denied bond. The court also ordered that he have no contact with the child’s mother or family.
The victim’s mother described her daughter as a sweet and loving baby. In an emotional statement, she said, “My baby didn’t deserve that. She was a sweet baby. Why would you harm an innocent baby? She didn’t mean no harm at all.” In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses for Ky’meria. Community members and loved ones have rallied around the grieving family, demanding justice for the young life so cruelly taken. As the case proceeds, Young awaits further court hearings, and prosecutors prepare to seek full accountability for the death of an innocent child.
