URGENT UPDATE: A daycare worker in Arkansas has been charged with murder following the tragic death of an infant in her care. Erin Sauls, 23, was arrested on December 30, 2025, after police responded to a distress call about an 8-month-old baby who was not breathing. The child, identified as Elijah Flowerday, was pronounced dead upon arrival at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Authorities report that Elijah suffered a skull fracture and multiple brain bleeds as a result of Sauls allegedly hitting his head against the hardwood floor while changing his diaper. Investigators revealed that Sauls claimed she was “frustrated and had a headache” at the time, and struck the baby’s head three times.
Sauls is currently held without bail at the Pulaski County Detention Facility in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her next court appearance is set for February 27, 2026.
The heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the community. Aliyah Fulton, a former client of Sauls, expressed her disbelief, stating, “I had a bad feeling about her from the start.” Fulton had enrolled her two children in Sauls’ unlicensed daycare in July 2025 but severed ties by October after Sauls canceled multiple times.
Local regulations indicate that while caregivers for up to five children do not require a license, taking in more than five children from multiple families necessitates licensing. Reports suggest Sauls had previously cared for more than five children simultaneously, raising serious legal concerns.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Elijah’s family, raising over $12,000 for funeral expenses and counseling services for their other child.
If you or someone you know is facing similar issues, please call or text the Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. This developing story highlights the urgent need for awareness regarding child safety in daycare settings. Share this news to keep your community informed on this critical issue.
