10-year-old arrested in 2-year-old cousin's death

Journee Blyden received severe head trauma

Journee Blyden

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A 10-year-old boy was arrested and charged in the death of his 2-year-old cousin, the Marion County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday.

2-year-old Journee Blyden was transported to the hospital on June 21st with severe head trauma and passed away a few days later.

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Detectives were originally told Journee fell from her playpen. After an investigation, detectives determined the 10-year-old caused the fatal injuries, according to MCSO.

Another child, who is considered a witness, told detectives the 10-year-old had physically abused her and Journee when the three were unsupervised.

When detectives went to the 10-year-old with this information, he told them he was running while holding Journee and fell on the kitchen floor, causing her injuries.

The 10-year-old said he put Journee on the counter and "accidentally" pushed her off the countertop, detectives said.

The Medical Examiner concluded Journee's injuries would have taken excessive force to create and ruled the child's death a homicide.

Detectives reviewed the case with the State Attorney's Office and determined the charges would be appropriate, MCSO said.

The 10-year-old was booked into the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center.

He is expected in court Thursday.