Man Charged with Killing Girlfriend's Toddler Daughter Denied Bond

Jeroen Coombs accused of abusing and killing 3-year-old Paisley Brown in Florida

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 32-year-old Florida man named Jeroen Coombs has been charged with aggravated child abuse in connection with the death of his girlfriend's 3-year-old daughter, Paisley Brown. Coombs is being held without bond after a judge cited his failure to appear at a prior hearing as a reason for the ruling. Investigators say Coombs confessed to binding, caging, and punching the toddler, leading to her death.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the ongoing issue of child abuse and the need for stronger protections and interventions to prevent such horrific incidents. The judge's decision to deny bond for the suspect reflects the severity of the alleged crimes and the perceived threat to public safety.

The details

According to authorities, Jeroen Coombs is the boyfriend of Paisley Brown's mother. Investigators say Coombs confessed to binding, caging, and punching the 3-year-old girl, leading to her death. Officials are also looking into what Paisley's mother may have known about the abuse and why it took 40 minutes for 911 to be called after she learned the toddler was unresponsive.

  • Paisley Brown was found dead in Citra, Florida on Thursday, February 24, 2026.
  • The hearing where the judge denied bond for Jeroen Coombs took place on February 25, 2026.

The players

Jeroen Coombs

A 32-year-old Florida man charged with aggravated child abuse in connection with the death of his girlfriend's 3-year-old daughter, Paisley Brown.

Paisley Brown

A 3-year-old girl who was allegedly abused and killed by her mother's boyfriend, Jeroen Coombs.

Judge Peter Brigham

The judge who denied bond for Jeroen Coombs, citing the suspect's failure to appear at a prior hearing as one of the reasons for the ruling.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know what is going on with the mom in this whole thing, but what I've heard so far is that there is a little 3-year-old girl, she's bound, legs and hands, and essentially gets beaten to death somehow.”

— Judge Peter Brigham, Judge

What’s next

Investigators expect to file additional charges against Jeroen Coombs as they continue to investigate the girl's death and other alleged abuse that occurred in the home.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for stronger safeguards and interventions to protect vulnerable children from abuse. It also raises questions about the role of the victim's mother and the response time of emergency services, highlighting the complex challenges in addressing child welfare issues.