Tallahassee Police Make Arrest in Death Investigation of Four-Year-Old

January 22, 2024

The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) has arrested one suspect in connection with the death of a four-year-old girl that occurred in 2023. On June 1, 2023, just before 3 p.m., the Tallahassee Fire Department, Leon County Emergency Medical Services and patrol officers with the Tallahassee Police Department responded to a residence in the 400 block of West Georgia Street regarding a child experiencing a medical emergency. Sadly, the child was pronounced deceased shortly after being transported to a local hospital.

TPD's Violent Crimes Unit assumed the investigation and quickly learned the child suffered a traumatic brain injury on June 11, 2021, as a result of being battered by her caretaker, Lyndarious Strange. TPD's Special Victims Unit launched a meticulous investigation into the incident, and probable cause was developed to charge and arrest Strange for aggravated battery of a child.

On June 1, 2023, the child succumbed to medical complications stemming from the incident that occurred two years earlier. A subsequent autopsy report classified the manner of death as a homicide, revealing that the child was in a medically fragile state as a direct result of the prior abuse. Detectives continued to conduct an extensive investigation, working closely with the Medical Examiner's Office and the Big Bend Child Protection Team, to develop probable cause for an arrest.

After consultation with the State Attorney's Office, detectives obtained warrants to charge Strange with first-degree murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse. The U.S. Marshals Service located Strange in Hawkinsville, Georgia, and took him into custody on Jan. 19.

This arrest exemplifies collaborative efforts of multiple agencies working together to bring justice to the victim in this case. If you see something, say something. Report criminal activity by calling TPD at 850-891-4200. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.

ARRESTED:

Lyndarious Strange Jr., 24, for first-degree murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse.