UPDATE: An urgent investigation is underway following the tragic death of an 8-month-old baby in Arkansas. Daycare worker Erin Sauls, 23, was arrested on December 30, 2025, after allegedly causing fatal injuries to Elijah Flowerday by striking his head against the floor.
Authorities responded to a distress call about the unresponsive child and rushed him to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The arrest report indicates that Elijah suffered from a skull fracture and multiple brain bleeds, raising serious concerns about the care provided in Sauls’ unlicensed home daycare.
During questioning, Sauls reportedly claimed she became “frustrated and had a headache” while changing Elijah’s diaper, which led her to strike his head against the hardwood floor “three times.” This shocking revelation has left the community reeling.
Sauls is currently being held without bail at the Pulaski County Detention Facility in Little Rock, and her next court appearance is set for February 27. Local parents, including Aliyah Fulton, who previously enrolled her children in Sauls’ daycare, expressed their disbelief and horror over the incident. Fulton described feeling uneasy about Sauls early on and revealed that she had heard Sauls was caring for more children than legally allowed.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services stipulates that any daycare provider caring for six or more children must be licensed. Parents have voiced their concerns about the safety of their children in unregulated facilities. Fulton emphasized the need for accountability, stating that Sauls “doesn’t deserve to see the light of day again” if convicted.
In response to this heartbreaking loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to help the Flowerday family cover funeral expenses and provide counseling for their other child. As of January 3, 2026, the fundraiser has raised over $12,000 from community supporters.
This tragic story highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and oversight in childcare services. Parents are urged to remain vigilant and aware of the daycare facilities they choose for their children. For anyone who suspects child abuse, immediate help is available through the Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
Stay tuned for developments as this story unfolds.
