A 26-year-old Louisiana man has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly beating a 3-year-old girl to death while potty training her at his home in Belle Rose, according to the Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office.
Bernard JR Fleander brought the unresponsive child to Assumption Community Hospital in Napoleonville shortly before 3:30 a.m., authorities said. Medical staff immediately began lifesaving measures but pronounced the girl dead a short time later. Her name has not been released.
Background
Investigators learned that Fleander was caring for the girl, who is not his biological daughter, along with other children at his residence on the 6700 block of Highway 308 in Belle Rose — approximately 45 miles south of Baton Rouge.
Local CBS affiliate WAFB reported that the child suffered head injuries as well as massive internal injuries to her body. The sheriff's office told the television outlet that the injuries stemmed from when Fleander was potty training the victim.
A medical examiner classified the girl's death as a homicide. Investigators executed a search warrant and interviewed multiple people at the home.
The Investigation
The Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation in coordination with the district attorney's office and the Department of Children and Family Services. Authorities said they do not believe additional arrests will be made in connection with this case.
Fleander was arrested and taken to the Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office, where he is being held without bond. In addition to first-degree murder, he faces a charge of failure to appear related to a separate battery charge.
Key Takeaways
- Bernard JR Fleander, 26, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 3-year-old girl
- The alleged assault occurred while Fleander was potty training the child at his Belle Rose home
- The victim suffered head injuries and massive internal injuries; her death was classified as homicide
- Fleander is also charged with failure to appear related to an outstanding battery charge
- He is being held without bond; no additional arrests are expected, authorities said
What's Next
The case remains under investigation. No next court date was immediately listed for Fleander, and further details have not been released pending the ongoing probe.
Investigators continue working with prosecutors and child welfare officials as they build their case.