An Arkansas day care owner has been charged with capital murder after allegedly harming an infant in her care. According to police, Erin Soles, 23, is accused of repeatedly slamming the head of an 8-month-old boy against the floor while changing his diaper.
The incident reportedly occurred at a day care in Little Rock, where Soles became frustrated with the infant, who was experiencing discomfort. Following the assault, the baby became hot and sweaty, and though Soles fed him a bottle, he was found unresponsive just 15 minutes later.
When authorities arrived at the home at around 11:14 a.m., the child was not breathing. Paramedics attempted CPR while transporting him to a local hospital, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The infant, named Elijah Flowerday, had suffered a skull fracture and a brain hemorrhage.
The tragic event has been classified as a homicide, and Soles is in custody after allegedly confessing to the assault. A police report stated that Elijah’s mother, Trinity Russell, informed authorities that her son had been in good health when she dropped him off earlier that day.
The family expressed their grief, stating, “Isaac Flowerday and his family are facing an unimaginable loss with the loss of their beloved baby boy Elijah.” They are now struggling to cope with the deep sorrow of losing both a son and a brother.
Soles was arraigned the following morning, where she pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. She is currently being held in the Pulaski County Jail without bond as she awaits trial.
