‘Frustrated’ Daycare Owner, 23, Accused of Repeatedly Slamming Infant’s Head Into Floor Charged with Murder

A baby boy has died, and a 23-year-old home daycare operator is facing a capital murder charge following an incident on the morning of Dec. 30 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Police were called to the residence of Erin Sauls at approximately 11:14 a.m. Tuesday after reports of an unresponsive infant. Sauls operates a daycare out of her home. When officers arrived, they found an 8-month-old boy who was not breathing and immediately began emergency CPR while the child was transported to a nearby hospital.

The infant was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Investigators determined that the cause of death was homicide.

According to the incident report, Sauls told officers that she became frustrated while changing the baby’s diaper and admitted to slamming the child’s head on the floor multiple times. Police said the statement was consistent with the injuries observed, which included skull fractures and brain bleeding.

Sauls was arrested the same day.

She appeared in court on Wednesday, Dec. 31, where she entered a not guilty plea to the capital murder charge, according to court records. A judge denied bail and ordered her to remain in custody pending trial.

Family members have identified the victim as Elijah Flowerday. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover funeral expenses.

“This tragedy has left Isaac, Trinity, and their son Laylon heartbroken as they grieve the loss of their son and little brother,” the fundraiser states. “The days ahead will be incredibly difficult as they try to find comfort and healing together as a family.”