A Tennessee woman is behind bars after authorities say she inflicted injuries a little boy in March, that ultimately led to his death. The woman’s stepfather is adamant that she is innocent.

FOX Nashville reports that the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), investigated a March 26 incident in which 2-year-old Aiden Hale was taken to the hospital with injuries. He passes away three days later. Although the TBI hasn’t specified how the little boy died, the agency accused 25-year-old Kayla Pauze of causing the injuries on Aiden that led to his death.

“I think a horrible accident happened, and I know in my heart my daughter could not do this, there’s just no way, everyone that knows my daughter, anyone that has seen my daughter with children and her own child, would know my daughter could not do this, there is no way,” Matt Haley, the suspect’s stepfather, told FOX Nashville.

Haley said he met little Aiden on several occasions and watched while Pauze taught the boy, who reportedly had developmental issues, how to count and how to color. Haley said when he asked Pauze what happened, she claimed Aiden had a seizure on March 26, while in her care.

Regardless, authorities reported they had sufficient enough evidence to arrest the suspect.

Pauze was arrested on May 15 and charged with aggravated child abuse and first-degree murder. She remains behind bars at the Sumner County Jail, held without bond.

The story is still developing. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.

[Feature Photo: Aiden Hale and Kayla Pauze/TBI]