Police say the 23-year-old was running a home-based day care when the 8-month-old boy was found unresponsive.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A Little Rock woman who police say operated a day care out of her home has been charged with capital murder after an 8-month-old boy in her care died on Dec. 30. Officers were called late that morning to a residence on Clifton Drive, where they found the child unresponsive and began CPR before transport to a hospital, authorities said.
Investigators identified the caregiver as 23-year-old Erin Sauls and booked her into the Pulaski County jail. An arrest report states the child’s injuries were consistent with homicide and that Sauls later appeared in court, where a judge ordered her held without bond while the investigation continues. The boy was identified by relatives as Elijah Flowerday. The case moves into early court proceedings as detectives review statements, examine forensic findings and interview additional witnesses tied to the home day care setting.
Police said the call came around 11:14 a.m. to the 1600 block of Clifton Drive for a medical emergency involving an infant. First responders performed life-saving measures during the ride to a Little Rock hospital, where the boy was pronounced dead. According to an arrest narrative, Sauls told investigators she struck the infant’s head against a hardwood floor three times while changing his diaper, saying she was frustrated and had a headache. The Pulaski County coroner ruled the death a homicide based on skull fractures and bleeding in the brain, the report said. Detectives with the department’s Major Crimes Division are leading the case, which they described as active and ongoing.
In a brief initial appearance on Dec. 31, Sauls pleaded not guilty to one count of capital murder. A judge set no bond and scheduled her next hearing through Pulaski County Circuit Court. Prosecutors said they are reviewing the autopsy and police reports before deciding how to proceed at charging conference. Under Arkansas law, capital murder is punishable by life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. Officials did not say whether they will seek additional counts related to operating the home day care, and they have not announced any licensing actions. The court appointed counsel for Sauls, and the jail roster listed her as being held in Pulaski County custody.
Relatives identified the boy as Elijah Flowerday and shared photographs and a brief remembrance online. Neighbors along Clifton Drive said police and ambulances crowded the street late Tuesday morning and crime scene tape blocked the small house while investigators went in and out. One neighbor said officers remained at the scene through the afternoon, photographing the living room and collecting items into evidence bags. Another neighbor said the home had had a steady flow of parents dropping off children on weekdays but appeared quiet in the days after the incident. Authorities have not said how many children were present when the emergency call was made.
Records indicate the day care operated from a residence and not a commercial setting. State and local authorities have not released information about licensing status or prior complaints linked to the address. City officials said they were cooperating with police but referred questions about child care oversight to state regulators. The police department said any additional findings, including toxicology and detailed autopsy results, will be forwarded to prosecutors. Detectives emphasized that witness interviews and review of digital records, including phone communications, are standard steps in the process and could take weeks.
Police have not released a full timeline of the child’s final hours beyond the emergency call and hospital pronouncement. Investigators said they are also working to determine whether cameras or monitors inside the home captured the incident. The department said it will provide an update when the medical examiner completes the report and the prosecutor files formal charges beyond the initial count. Officials said any public briefing would be announced by the city. Until then, Sauls remains jailed, and the home day care at the center of the investigation was dark and quiet this week as neighbors placed small stuffed animals near the curb.
As of Friday, no additional charges had been announced and no further hearing dates were posted on the public docket. The police investigation remains active, and prosecutors are expected to outline next steps once they receive final lab results and the complete investigative file.
Author note: Last updated January 2, 2026.