HOUSTON -- A 3-year-old girl died Monday. And police believe a man, described as the mother’s common-law husband, may be responsible for the toddler’s death.

A frantic 911 call brought police to the home in the 8900 block of Wayfarer about 4 p.m. When they arrived the girl was found not breathing.

Emergency workers attempted CPR and the toddler was taken to the hospital, but died.

Homicide investigators said the girl appeared to have been abused and suspect her injuries may have contributed to her death.

"It appears that there was physical trauma. As to whether it was intentional or accidental, at this time (we don’t know),” said HPD Homicide Detective Ryan Chandler. “It does appear that the child has prior injuries."

Police took the man who lived in the house into custody for questioning, but no charges had been filed as of Monday night.

Investigators said two other children, a 6-year-old and 10-month-old, were also in the home at the time and are now in state custody.

Paul Paulson owns the small, one-room house where the family lives. He said the mother lived there with the children and the man she called her husband.

He said he had opened up the small house behind his to the family since February.

They've been no real trouble Paulson said. But he’s seen opportunity for danger.

"I minister to anybody that comes into my house,” said Paulson. “So I've been helping. And I thought I had until this happened. But some people can't control their temper."