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Florida Man Denied Bond in Death of Girlfriend’s 3-Year-Old; Charge Upgrade Likely

Prosecutors say he confessed to restraining the child, supporting a request to keep him jailed pending a charging decision.

Overview

  • Detective testimony described a confession that the child’s wrists were tied with a robe tie and her legs bound with painter’s tape before she was dropped and struck in the chest.
  • Judge Peter Brigham ordered Jeroen Coombs held without bond as the state reviews evidence that could elevate the current aggravated child abuse charge.
  • Deputies say Coombs phoned the child’s mother about her being unresponsive but 911 was not called for about 40 minutes, which he attributed to fear.
  • Four other children from the home are in Department of Children and Families custody, and a child witness reported prior abuse; a report also says siblings were handcuffed and beaten.
  • The sheriff’s office says it is examining the mother’s awareness or potential responsibility as residents rally to press for further accountability.