Jacksonville Father Faces Aggravated Manslaughter Charge After 5-Week-Old Daughter’s 2024 Death In Volusia County

Arrest follows more than a year of investigation into infant’s injuries

A 27-year-old Jacksonville man has been arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child in connection with the 2024 death of his 5-week-old daughter in Volusia County, authorities said. The defendant, Dajuan Patrick, was taken into custody in Jacksonville on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and was being held without bond pending extradition to Volusia County.

The case centers on the death of Dahlia Siebenhaar, an infant from the Daytona Beach area. She was brought to a hospital the night of December 2, 2024, after being found unresponsive with severe injuries. Investigators said she never regained consciousness and was removed from life support on December 12, 2024.

Medical findings and homicide ruling

Authorities said medical and autopsy records documented extensive injuries, including head trauma, broken ribs, bruising across the body, and retinal hemorrhages. The Volusia County medical examiner ruled the death a homicide based on those findings.

Investigators said the injury pattern was consistent with violent shaking and forceful handling. The charge filed in the case is aggravated manslaughter of a child, a first-degree felony under Florida law.

What investigators say happened

Following interviews, a review of medical records, and other evidence, investigators concluded the father caused the fatal injuries by shaking and spanking the infant. The arrest was executed in Jacksonville on a warrant originating from Volusia County.

Authorities emphasized that the criminal case will proceed through court and that the charge represents an allegation that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Next procedural steps

With the defendant held in Duval County, the immediate next stage is extradition to Volusia County, where the case is expected to move into first appearance proceedings, potential bond litigation (if eligible), and subsequent court dates. If extradition is completed, prosecutors will typically present charging documents and begin formal pretrial litigation, including any motions challenging evidence and the circumstances of statements given to investigators.

Key timeline

• December 2, 2024: Infant admitted to a hospital, unresponsive and critically injured.
• December 12, 2024: Life support withdrawn after the infant did not regain consciousness.
• March 10, 2026: Jacksonville arrest on an aggravated manslaughter of a child charge.
• March 2026: Defendant held without bond pending extradition to Volusia County.

The case remains active, and additional court filings are expected as the prosecution and defense prepare for the next phases of litigation.