Boy, 10, charged with manslaughter in death of Marion County 2-year-old

10-year-old arrested in death of Journee Blyden

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Marion County deputies have charged a 10-year-old boy in the death of his 2-year-old cousin.

Berhaun Blyden faces aggravated manslaughter of a child in the June 23 death of Journee Blyden.

Deputies said they were called on June 21 to a home on Hemlock Course Run in Ocala after reports that Journee was not breathing and had become unresponsive. Journee was taken to a hospital and on June 23, where doctors deemed she had no brain activity and died, according to deputies. 

Witnesses told deputies that Journee was playing and accidentally fell out of her crib, causing her injuries, according to the report. The investigation found that Berhaun caused the 2-year-old's "extensive and, ultimately fatal injuries."

Deputies said a juvenile witness told detectives about Berhaun's physical abuse when they were unsupervised.

Berhaun first told deputies he was running while holding Journee and fell on the kitchen floor, causing her injuries, according to the release. Berhaun said he then put Journee on the counter and "accidentally" pushed her off the counter top.

Deputies said the medical examiner found that Journee's injuries were not consistent with the statement given by the 10-year-old and ruled her death as a homicide.

A judge on Thursday ruled that Berhaun, who was appointed a public defender, has to stay in detention. His next court date is September 21.


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