Florida resident Deric Young is currently facing first-degree murder charges after he allegedly killed a toddler by repeatedly punching her. The assault didnât come because the child did anything wrong. In fact, Young alleged that he merely wanted to play. However, he had been using drugs, which he admitted played a part in his decision making. Now, a family is mourning the untimely loss of a child whose life had barely begun. And the man will certainly be facing prison time for his immense lapse in judgment
Tallahassee Police arrested 25-year-old Deric Young on June 24 in connection with the killing of 1-year-old Kyâmeria Keyâmoni German, People reported. During their interview with Young, police say he initially denied being involved in the child’s death. But he did allegedly admit to punching the girl in the face multiple times, the arrest affidavit stated.Â
Then, police say he demonstrated his actions by using his fists to show how he punched the baby on both sides of her face and head.
When asked if he hit the girl because he was angry, he said no. In fact, he claimed it was the opposite. According to Young, he had been smoking cannabis. âWhen I smoke, I want to play.â He also admitted to hitting the girl in her thigh with his fist.
Police responded to a report of a child not breathing, WCTV reported. When they arrived, they attempted to save Kyâmeriaâs life. The 1-year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital. Court documents showed that Young, who is a friend of Ky’meria’s aunt, was at the home when they arrived. He was babysitting the girl after her initial babysitter, a cousin, left him in charge.
Not long after the investigation began police uncovered âquickly uncovered signs of foul play.â An autopsy showed Kyâmeria âhad suffered severe injuries, including multiple strikes to the head with a closed fist that ultimately caused the childâs death.â She also had a femur fracture âthat would have undoubtedly been extremely painful and severely impacted her ability to crawl or move.â
âMy baby didnât deserve that. She was a sweet baby. She was sweet. Why would you harm an innocent baby? She didnât mean no harm at all,â the girlâs mother Nickaiya Walker told WCTV.
Walker said her daughter loved the color pink and was just beginning to talk. Now, she will never get to see who Kyâmeria could have been.
Walker said her cousin or Deric Young âcould have just called me. Yâall could have just called my mother. Yâall could have just called anybody and a family member to get her.â Instead, he âhad to put [his] hands on her.â
The family has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses. Kyâmeria leaves behind two brothers, one of whom was her twin.
Deric Young has been charged with murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse and cruelty towards a child. He is being held without bond.
