Authorities in Maryland say an 11-year-old girl is facing criminal charges related to the death of a young boy she had been babysitting last week.
According to Fox News, Paxton Davis’ mother left the 1-year-old old in the care of a family in Suitland on Saturday.
An adult woman at the home allegedly left the following morning and put her daughter in charge of caring for the young boy.
Davis was reportedly found seriously injured when the family returned home.
He was transported from the scene to an area hospital and was admitted with serious injuries to his upper body. The child was pronounced dead several days later.
In an interview with police, the 11-year-old girl reportedly confessed to beating the boy and causing the fatal injuries, as reported by WJAC.
Prince George’s County Police Major Brian Reilly said the boy had been to the home before but the girl had never been tasked with babysitting him in the past.
“It was an innocent, friendly agreement that obviously turned absolutely tragic,” Reilly said.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of first-degree child abuse resulting in death. After her arrest, she was reportedly booked into a juvenile detention facility.
Additional charges could still be filed, according to reports. State law dictates that a child must be at least 13 to be left as the sole caretaker for a younger child.
Reilly said investigators are still working to establish a motive.
“There’s no words,” he said. “There’s no reason for this to take place.”
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