Tragic Confession: Tallahassee Man Admits to Fatally Punching 1-Year-Old Ky’meria German While Babysitting

Tragic Confession: Tallahassee Man Admits to Fatally Punching 1-Year-Old Ky’meria German While Babysitting

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A horrific case of child abuse has shaken the Tallahassee community to its core after police say a man confessed to punching a 1-year-old baby girl to death while she was in his care.

The victim, Ky’meria German, died after suffering multiple blunt-force injuries to her head, allegedly inflicted by 25-year-old Deric Young, who had been entrusted to babysit the child in a last-minute arrangement. According to authorities, Ky’meria’s regular babysitter was unavailable due to work, and Young was asked to watch over the little girl and her twin brother in her place.

But what was supposed to be a routine evening of care turned into an unspeakable act of violence.

Tallahassee police responded to a 911 call after reports that the infant was unresponsive and not breathing. When emergency crews arrived, they found Ky’meria in critical condition. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite medical efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

In a chilling turn of events, Deric Young confessed during questioning that he had struck Ky’meria multiple times in the head with his fist. He admitted to losing control and intentionally punching the toddler, leading to devastating injuries. An autopsy later confirmed that Ky’meria died from blunt force trauma, consistent with repeated blows to the head.

Her twin brother, who was reportedly in the same room at the time of the assault, was not physically harmed, authorities said. He has since been placed in protective custody.

Young has been charged with murder and is currently being held at the Leon County Jail. Prosecutors are expected to pursue the case aggressively, and additional charges related to child abuse and endangerment may be filed as the investigation continues.

The death of baby Ky’meria German has ignited outrage and sorrow throughout the Tallahassee area. Community members, heartbroken by the senseless violence, have begun organizing vigils and raising support for the grieving family. Tributes have poured in online, with many expressing disbelief that such brutality could be inflicted on an innocent child.

“She was just a baby,” one family member wrote. “Her life was only beginning. There is no excuse, no justification. We want justice for Ky’meria.”

Child welfare advocates are now calling for greater scrutiny of informal childcare arrangements and stronger awareness of the dangers that can arise when children are left in the care of individuals without proper vetting or supervision.

“This is an unthinkable loss,” said one advocate. “But it underscores the importance of making sure every child is placed in safe, nurturing environments—whether for a few minutes or several hours.”

Victim: Ky’meria German, age 1

Suspect: Deric Young, 25

Incident Date: June 2025

Location: Tallahassee, Florida

Charges: Murder; additional charges possible

Status: Suspect in custody at Leon County Jail

Autopsy Findings: Death due to multiple blunt-force injuries to the head

Anyone with further information related to this case is urged to contact the Tallahassee Police Department or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. Support services for grieving families and resources for preventing child abuse can be found through the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Ky’meria’s life was short, but the community is rallying to ensure that her memory lives on—and that justice is served.