1-year-old dies after the boyfriend of the caretaker, who normally cares for the chiId, assumed responsibiIity that day, only to repeatedIy hit the chiId with a cIosed fist, later cIaiming he was just pIaying: police

Florida – A Florida man was arrested earlier this week and charged with murder and aggravated chiId abuse in connection with the death of 1‑year‑old Kimeria. Florida authorities allege that the 25-year-old defendant, Derik, who had been entrusted with taking care of the child while her regular caretaker was at work, admitted to punching the child whiIe pIaying, leading to her death.

Florida authorities responded to an emergency call on Monday, June 23, at the family’s home in Florida, where they found the baby unresponsive. The 1-year-old was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Authorities quickly detected signs of fouI play and began a full-scale investigation.

Investigators obtained a probable cause affidavit. According to that document, officers interviewed the defendant at the scene. He reportedly broke down in tears and confessed to repeatedly punching the baby in the head with a cIosed fist. The caretaker also told Florida authorities that he had been smoking marijuana at the time and said his actions stemmed from a distorted attempt at playing with the child, while stating that when he smokes, he wants to play.

An autopsy report confirmed that the victim suffered multiple severe head injuries consistent with repeated blows, and it ruled the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head. The affidavit indicates her twin brother, who was present in the same room, was physically unharmed.

At a court hearing held Thursday, June 26, bond was denied and the defendant was ordered to have no contact with the victim’s mother or her family. Two of the defendant’s relatives appeared in court, but when one attempted to speak in his defense, the presiding judge warned that anything said could further jeopardize hi’s position. The court scheduled a follow‑up hearing within five days.

Police indicate that the defendant is the boyfriend of the woman who normally takes care of the child, and he assumed responsibility on that day. The investigation, led by Florida authoriteis, involved reviewing the scene, conducting interviews with the defendant and other witnesses, and gathering physical evidence. Detectives say they established probable cause swiftly after piecing together the defendant’s confession, the child’s injuries, and the timeline of events.