He Allegedly Punched 1-Year-Old to Death — Then Told Police He Was Stoned and Just ‘Playing’

A Florida man is facing murder charges after allegedly confessing to fatally beating a one-year-old girl who had been left in his care.

The victim, Ky’meria Key’moni German, died in June after suffering what authorities described as a brutal assault. Prosecutors say the child was beaten so severely she may have been left unable to crawl due to the pain.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, 25-year-old Deric Young was taken into custody by Tallahassee Police on June 24. He initially denied harming the child but later allegedly admitted to punching her in the face and head multiple times.

While speaking with investigators, Young reportedly demonstrated the assault using clenched fists, saying he struck Ky’meria “two to three times” on both sides of her face. When asked if he lost his temper, Young allegedly said no and insisted he was just “playing with her.” He also reportedly admitted to smoking marijuana shortly before the incident, telling officers, “When I smoke, I want to play.”

In addition to the facial injuries, the affidavit states that Ky’meria suffered a fractured femur—a break described as so painful it would have seriously limited her ability to crawl or move. Young allegedly told police he struck her thigh with a closed fist.

At the time of the incident, Ky’meria had been left in Young’s care by her regular babysitter, who is a cousin of the child’s mother, according to WCTV.

Ky’meria’s mother, Ckaiyyaa Baee, posted a heartbreaking tribute to her daughter on Facebook, writing: “My girl was sweet. She was loved by many. She loved eating her food and beating on people. My baby girl is gone … I am hurt, my only girl.”

The family has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses.

Young is charged with first-degree felony murder during aggravated child abuse, as well as child cruelty, according to court documents.

Authorities continue to investigate, while the community mourns the loss of a young life taken far too soon.