UPDATE: A 23-year-old daycare worker in Arkansas has been charged with murder following the tragic death of an 8-month-old baby in her care. Erin Sauls was arrested on December 30 after police responded to an emergency call regarding a baby who was not breathing.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered that the child, later identified as Elijah Flowerday, had suffered severe injuries, including a skull fracture and multiple brain bleeds. He was rushed to Arkansas Children’s Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The circumstances surrounding the incident are shocking.
During questioning, Sauls admitted to hitting the baby’s head against the floor “three times” while changing his diaper, citing that she was “frustrated and had a headache.” The heart-wrenching details have left the community in disbelief and mourning.
Sauls is currently being held without bail at the Pulaski County Detention Facility in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her next court date is scheduled for February 27. Local residents are reeling from the news, with many expressing outrage over the alleged actions of a caregiver who was trusted with the lives of children.
Former client Aliyah Fulton, who enrolled her children in Sauls’ daycare, described her initial concerns about the caregiver, revealing she felt something was amiss from their first interactions. “Something was telling me literally on my car ride home… don’t go back to her,” Fulton said. She also mentioned that other parents reported Sauls was caring for more than five children at a time, which is illegal for unlicensed daycare providers in Arkansas.
The state regulations stipulate that while caregivers for five or fewer children do not require a license, those caring for six or more must be licensed. It remains unclear how many children were in Sauls’ care at the time of the incident, leading to further scrutiny of her operations.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the Flowerday family cope with funeral expenses and provide counseling for their remaining child. The fundraiser has already raised over $12,000, demonstrating the profound impact of this heartbreaking loss on the community.
As authorities continue their investigation, the case has sparked critical discussions about childcare safety and oversight. If found guilty, many believe Sauls should face the maximum penalties, with Fulton stating, “She doesn’t deserve to see the light of day again.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, please contact the Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
Stay updated as this developing story unfolds, with more information expected in the coming days.
