UPDATE: A daycare worker in Arkansas has been charged with murder following the tragic death of an 8-month-old baby. Erin Sauls, 23, was arrested on December 30, 2025, after police responded to a distress call about a baby who was not breathing.
According to authorities, the child, identified as Elijah Flowerday, was pronounced dead upon arrival at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. An investigation revealed that he suffered from a skull fracture and multiple brain bleeds, as detailed in the arrest report obtained by KATV.
Sauls allegedly confessed to police that, feeling “frustrated and had a headache,” she struck the infant’s head against the hardwood floor “three times” while changing his diaper. She is currently being held without bail at the Pulaski County Detention Facility in Little Rock, with her next court date set for February 27.
The community is reeling from this devastating news. Parents like Aliyah Fulton, who had previously entrusted her own children to Sauls’ care, expressed shock and disbelief. Fulton reported feeling uneasy about Sauls from the start, stating, “Something was telling me… don’t go back to her.”
Sauls operated a childcare facility from her home, reportedly caring for more than five children—an illegal practice for unlicensed daycare providers in Arkansas. While the law does not require a license for those watching five or fewer children, any caregiver with six or more must comply with licensing requirements, as outlined on Arkansas.gov.
Fulton’s troubling experience led her to sever ties with Sauls just months before the baby’s death. “If convicted, she should serve the rest of her life behind bars,” Fulton added, voicing her outrage and concern for child safety.
In response to this heartbreaking incident, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the Flowerday family with funeral expenses. As of January 3, the fundraiser has raised over $12,000, highlighting the community’s support during this unimaginable loss.
This shocking case raises critical questions about daycare regulations and child safety. If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, contact the Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
