A Florida man was charged with aggravated child abuse after the death of his girlfriend's 3-year-old daughter in a community near Ocala.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office reported that the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Jeroen Jarrell Coombs, was arrested after Officers responded Thursday at noon to a residence in the 16500 block of NE 44th Avenue after a report of an unconscious child. Paramedics transported the girl, identified as Paisley Brown, to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Allegations of Abuse According to the official statement, officers determined at the scene that Coombs was “the one who harmed Paisley” and took him into custody. Authorities stated that the man first called the girl's mother—not 911—shortly before 11:00 am to report that the child was unconscious. According to investigators, approximately 40 minutes passed before anyone contacted emergency services. Police indicated that another child present at the residence stated that Coombs had assaulted Paisley that day and on previous occasions. The defendant was the only adult in the house when the alleged abuse occurred. Officers observed bruises and ligature marks on the girl's wrists and feet, suggesting she had been tied up. Initially, Coombs claimed the child woke up "dazed," but when confronted about the injuries, he admitted to causing the wounds that led to his death. According to the report, the defendant confessed to tying the girl's hands with a bathrobe belt and her legs with duct tape to prevent her from removing her diaper the night before. He also admitted to lifting her while she was still tied up and letting her to the floor, after which she began gasping for breath. He further admitted to hitting her before realizing he had "gone too far." Coombs stated that he did not call 911 because he was afraid.

Family Testimony and Possible Additional Charges

Tabitha Harless, the girl's great-aunt and owner of the trailer where the incident occurred, told the local NBC affiliate that she found the accused "standing with his arms crossed,doing absolutely nothing" when she arrived at the scene.

Harless stated that she attempted to perform CPR when she noticed the girl was wet and had bruises. She recounted that one of the older brothers told her, "Aunt Tabby, he killed her. He punched her in the chest and threw her against the wall."

Authorities indicated that additional charges are being considered and that they are awaiting the results of the autopsy to officially determine the cause and manner of death.

The suspect remains in custody without bail at the Marion County Jail while the investigation continues.