A Marion County mother has been arrested after the death of her 3-year-old daughter, while the man previously accused of abusing the child now faces a homicide charge, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detective Karla Santana-Palau arrested Jennifer Farrah Kendrick on March 4 on two counts of felony child neglect. Investigators say Kendrick failed to protect her daughter, Paisley Brown, despite being aware of prior abuse.
Jeroen Jarrel Coombs, who had previously been arrested on a charge of aggravated child abuse in connection with the case, has now been additionally charged with homicide after detectives determined the injuries he inflicted led to the child’s death.
Deputies were first called to a residence in the 16500 block of NE 44th Avenue on Feb. 19, 2025, shortly after noon, after receiving a report that Paisley was unresponsive. Medics transported the child to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
According to investigators, deputies arriving at the scene were told Coombs had harmed the child and was attempting to leave the residence. He was detained while Major Crimes detectives began a homicide investigation.
Detectives learned Coombs had been home alone with the children that morning. Investigators say he contacted Kendrick at approximately 10:58 a.m. to tell her Paisley was unresponsive but did not call 911 until roughly 40 minutes later.
Detectives Santana-Palau and Paxton later interviewed Coombs, who admitted to causing the injuries that resulted in Paisley’s death. He was subsequently arrested.
During an interview conducted on March 4, 2026, Kendrick initially denied knowing about the abuse. Investigators said evidence gathered during the investigation contradicted that claim.
According to detectives, Kendrick later admitted she was aware Coombs had previously bound and abused the child but failed to intervene or protect her.
Investigators say Kendrick acknowledged that her lack of action allowed the abuse to continue and contributed to Paisley’s death.
Kendrick was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail. Authorities said she was already on felony probation, which was also violated by the new charges.
Coombs remains in custody at the Marion County Jail and is now additionally charged with homicide. Both Kendrick and Coombs are being held without bond.
