An Arkansas woman who operated a home-based day care in Little Rock is facing a capital murder charge after an 8-month-old boy in her care died from severe head injuries, according to police.
Authorities say Erin Sauls, 23, was caring for multiple children at her residence in Little Rock when the incident occurred. On Tuesday morning, officers with the Little Rock Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting that an infant had stopped breathing at Sauls’ home.
The child, identified as Elijah Flowerday, was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police Allegations and Arrest
According to an arrest report, Elijah suffered a skull fracture and multiple brain bleeds. Investigators say Sauls admitted to striking the infant’s head against a hardwood floor while changing his diaper. She allegedly told officers she was frustrated and had a headache at the time.
Sauls was arrested Wednesday and charged with capital murder. Court records show she was denied bail and is currently being held at the Pulaski County Detention Facility. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 27.
Former Parent Raises Concerns
Aliyah Fulton, a former client of Sauls’ day care, said she had enrolled her two toddler-aged children there in July but stopped using the service later in the year. Fulton said she initially left due to frequent cancellations, returned briefly, and then ultimately decided not to go back.
She also told reporters that other parents had raised concerns that Sauls may have been caring for more than five children at a time, which would violate Arkansas law for unlicensed day care operators. Neighbors, however, told investigators they did not believe the number of children exceeded legal limits.
Fulton described Sauls as a “really sweet person,” but said that if the allegations are proven in court, she believes Sauls should spend the rest of her life in prison.
Family Seeks Support
Following Elijah’s death, the Flowerday family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare for upcoming court proceedings.
Sauls has not entered a plea, and all charges are allegations at this stage.
