Louisiana Man Accused Of Beating 3-Year-Old To Death During Potty Training

A Louisiana man is facing a first-degree murder charge after authorities say a 3-year-old girl suffered massive injuries while in his care, with investigators alleging the fatal beating happened during potty training.

According to WAFB, the Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office arrested 26-year-old Bernard JR Fleander of Belle Rose on Thursday, August 13. He was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on charges of first-degree murder and failure to appear for simple battery.

The investigation began just hours earlier after the child was brought to a local hospital unresponsive.

3-Year-Old Brought To Louisiana Hospital Unresponsive

Deputies were dispatched to Assumption Community Hospital in Napoleonville shortly before 3:30 a.m. Thursday after an unresponsive child arrived at the hospital.

Authorities said the 3-year-old girl was brought to the hospital with Fleander.

Despite attempts by medical personnel to save her life, the child was pronounced dead a short time later.

According to the Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office, the girl suffered massive internal bleeding, massive internal injuries and massive head injuries.

Investigators allege the beating happened during potty training.

Suspect Was Reportedly Caring For Several Children

Authorities said Fleander was not the girl's parent but was caring for her and other children when the alleged incident occurred.

According to investigators, one of the other children, who was old enough to drive, transported Fleander and the injured 3-year-old to the hospital in a private vehicle.

Detectives later executed a search warrant at a residence along Highway 308 in Belle Rose.

Investigators also interviewed witnesses who were reportedly inside the home when the incident occurred.

Autopsy Rules 3-Year-Old Girl's Death A Homicide

The child's body was transported to a forensic facility, where an autopsy was conducted.

According to the sheriff's office, the girl's manner of death was classified as a homicide.

Investigators have also been in contact with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and the district attorney's office as the investigation continues.

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Fleander Faces First-Degree Murder Charge

Fleander was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on a charge of first-degree murder as well as failure to appear for simple battery.

As of the latest information released by authorities, he remained behind bars awaiting a bond hearing. The sheriff's office said officials hope Fleander will be ordered held without bail.

The allegations against Fleander have not been proven in court, and the case will now move through the criminal justice system.