Marion County sheriff’s deputies are investigating the death of a 2-year-old girl as a homicide.
Journee Blyden was initially transported June 21 to Ocala Regional Medical Center after suffering an apparent head trauma. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was flown to UF Health in Gainesville for further treatment. On June 23., the little girl’s doctors deemed that she had no brain activity and was pronounced deceased. She officially died on June 24.
A preliminary investigation indicated that witnesses claimed the girl had been playing and accidentally fell out of her crib, causing her injuries. However, the Medical Examiner has ruled her death as a homicide.
MCSO Major Crimes detectives are currently following up leads and are speaking with witnesses who could reveal the circumstances of how the girl suffered her injuries. If you have any information,  call Detective Frank Scala at (352) 368-3548 or to remain anonymous, call the Crime Stoppers of Marion County at (352) 368-STOP.
