Marion County 10-year-old arrested, charged in death of 2-year-old cousin

A 10-year-old boy was arrested and charged in the death of his 2-year-old cousin in Marion County, deputies said.

Berhaun Blyden is charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child after his sister told deputies he picked their 2-year-old cousin up from a playpen and threw her on the floor.

Journee Blyden was taken to the hospital with severe head trauma on June 21 and died from her injuries after she was found unresponsive at an Ocala home.

Detectives were initially told Journee fell out of a playpen but a medical examiner ruled her death a homicide.

Berhaun's sister, who was at the home when Journee was injured, told police in a follow-up interview that Berhaun picked Journee up from a crib and threw her on the floor.

She said he also pushed her off a counter and that Berhaun abused her and Journee when adults weren't around.

When detectives questioned Berhaun about his sister's statements, he told them he was running while holding Journee and fell on the kitchen floor, which caused her injuries.

He also told them he accidentally pushed her off a countertop while checking her injuries.

A medical examiner determined Journee's injuries were not consistent with Berhaun's statements.

The examiner found that her injuries would have taken excessive force to create.

Berhaun was booked into the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center. His first appearance hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

Cox Media Group