Belle Rose, Louisiana — A Louisiana family is mourning the death of a 3-year-old girl after authorities say she suffered devastating injuries while she was being cared for by a 26-year-old man.
Bernard JR Fleander has been charged with first-degree murder following the girl’s death, according to the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began shortly before 3:30 a.m. Thursday, when Fleander reportedly brought the unresponsive child to Assumption Community Hospital in Napoleonville.
Medical staff immediately began lifesaving efforts, but doctors were unable to save her. The girl was pronounced dead a short time later.
Authorities have not publicly released her name.
Child Was in Babysitter’s Care
Investigators determined that Fleander had been caring for the girl, who was not his biological daughter, along with other children at a residence on the 6700 block of Highway 308 in Belle Rose.
The community is located approximately 45 miles south of Baton Rouge. According to investigators, the girl was in Fleander’s care when she suffered the injuries that ultimately proved fatal.
Authorities have not released a detailed timeline explaining exactly what happened inside the home, but investigators have said the injuries were connected to an incident involving potty training.
Girl Suffered Massive Internal Injuries
The girl’s injuries were reportedly extensive. A local outlet reported that she suffered head injuries as well as massive internal injuries throughout her body.
The severity of those injuries prompted investigators to launch a homicide investigation after the child was taken to the hospital.
A medical examiner subsequently determined that the girl’s death was a homicide, supporting the decision to pursue a murder charge against Fleander.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific medical findings or provided additional details about the nature of the injuries.
Police Search Home During Investigation
After learning about the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death, investigators obtained and executed a search warrant at the Belle Rose residence.
Detectives also interviewed multiple people who were at or connected to the home as they worked to establish what happened before the child was brought to the hospital.
The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office has been working with the district attorney’s office and the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services as the investigation continues.
Officials have not announced any additional arrests and have indicated that they do not currently expect other people to be charged in connection with the girl’s death.
Babysitter Faces First-Degree Murder Charge
Fleander was arrested and taken to the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office, where authorities said he is being held without bond.
In addition to the first-degree murder charge, Fleander is also facing a separate failure-to-appear charge related to a previous battery case. His next court appearance had not immediately been listed.
The allegations against Fleander remain accusations unless and until they are proven in court. Authorities have released only limited information because the investigation is still active.
Investigation Into Child’s Death Continues
The case has raised difficult questions about what happened to the young girl while she was under Fleander’s supervision.
Investigators are continuing to work with prosecutors and child welfare officials to piece together the events leading up to her death. Authorities have not released additional details about the other children who were reportedly at the home or whether they witnessed any part of the alleged incident.
For now, the 3-year-old girl’s death remains under investigation, with Fleander facing the most serious criminal charge possible in Louisiana.
The investigation and upcoming court proceedings are expected to provide more information about the circumstances surrounding the child’s fatal injuries.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? Do you think people who care for young children should face stricter screening and oversight? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
