Toddler's tragic death after being pushed on swing for 44 hours by own mum

The boy died of dehydration and hypothermia (Image: Facebook)

A mother continuously pushed her tiny son on a swing for more than two days, leading to his tragic death.

Romechia Simms was just 24 when her schizophrenia compelled her to this fatal act, propelling the lifeless body of her son, Ji'Aire Donnell Lee, who had perished from dehydration and hypothermia, backwards and forwards on the swing for 44 hours.

Officers discovered Ji'Aire was still breathing when initially placed on the swing, but passed away two days afterwards. They were called to the distressing scene at La Plata park, South Maryland, in 2015 following concerns raised by a member of the public.

The Charles County Sheriff's Office disclosed that their enquiries revealed Simms had been propelling him on the swing since they arrived at the park 44 hours previously, at approximately 11.15am on May 2. Temperatures had dropped to 10C overnight.

Spokeswoman Diane Richardson confirmed a post-mortem examination determined the toddler died from dehydration and hypothermia, with his death classified as a homicide.

Romechia Simms, 25, pushed three-year-old Ji'Aire for over two days (Image: CCSO/FACEBOOK)

Simms had a documented history of mental health struggles and had previously experienced a psychological breakdown, prompting her mother to appeal for compassion.

Vontasha Simms posted a photograph of Ji'Aire on Facebook, declaring she was founding a charity in his honour to highlight "the desperate needs of those who are mentally ill". "There is a need that must be filled," she wrote.

"We embrace those that may have cancer, sickle cell anaemia, high blood pressure, even those that may suffer from substance abuse.

"It does take a village to raise a child. And yes, we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers. Each and every life has meaning and a purpose. Those that suffer from mental illness may life a very lonely and unproductive life if they don't receive the resources, support and love that is needed.

"It could be a mother, father, sister, brother, a child, a family member or yourself. Mental illness touches every family in this country. Let's not shun them or look down upon them because it could be you."

Back in 2016, Simms fled custody and was ordered to take her prescribed medication whilst consulting with a psychiatrist under an agreement sanctioned by a Maryland judge, according to Maryland Courts.

The 25-year-old was faced charges including involuntary manslaughter, first-degree child abuse and child neglect resulting in death.

A court-appointed forensic psychologist told a Charles County judge that Simms suffered from schizophrenia and was therefore not criminally responsible for the youngster's death.

Prosecutors agreed to an Alford plea - whereby the defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges there is adequate evidence for a conviction.