Mother found pushing dead toddler on swing charged with manslaughter

A woman found pushing her dead son on a swing has been charged with manslaughter and child abuse

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by Fiona Day |
Published on

Romechia Simms made headlines earlier this year after she was found pushing her 3-year-old son Ji’Aire Lee on a swing for two days.

Young Ji’Aire’s lifeless body was found after he had passed away from dehydration and low body temperature.

Simms was taken to hospital for mental evaluation but as later arrested on charges of manslaughter and child abuse.

In March, the child’s father, James Lee, had filed for custody of his son as he was worried about Simms’ mental stability.

Simms’ mother has blasted the charges as ‘uncaring and unfair’.

Simms could face 45 years in prison (stock image)
Simms could face 45 years in prison (stock image)

Vontasha Simms told the Washington Post: I don't understand how you're going to charge someone who was mentally incompetent.

“They knew she would never do anything harmful to him to cause his death.”

Simms wrote an emotional letter to her son which was included in the funeral program at Ji’Aire’s final farewell.

It read: “Son, the joy you brought to my life is unexplainable...I miss you so much, Ji'Aire, way more than I could possibly express through words. I am slowly accepting your passing. I want you to know that I have always been extremely proud of you, and I love you until the end of time. Ji'Aire Donnell Lee, you are amazing. Love always, Mommy.”

Simms will face arraignment on Monday next week.

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