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Romechia Simms was found not criminally liable after her son Ji'Aire Donnell Lee died from dehydration and hypothermia in the 2015 La Plata park tragedy
Schizophrenic Romechia Simms, 25, pushed three-year-old Ji'Aire for 44 hours (Image: CCSO/FACEBOOK)
A mother pushed her young son on a swing for over more than days, ultimately leading to his tragic death.
Romechia Simms was just 24 when her schizophrenia drove her to this fatal act, continuously pushing the lifeless body of her son, Ji'Aire Donnell Lee, who had died from dehydration and hypothermia, backwards and forwards on the swing for 44 hours.
Authorities established Ji'Aire was alive when initially placed on the swing, but died two days afterwards.
They were called to the harrowing scene at La Plata park, South Maryland, in 2015 following a tip-off from a worried member of the public.
The Charles County Sheriff's Office disclosed that their enquiries revealed Simms had been pushing him on the swing since entering the park 44 hours prior, at approximately 11.15am on 2 May. Overnight temperatures had dropped to as low as 10C.
The boy died of dehydration and hypothermia (Image: Facebook)
Spokeswoman Diane Richardson confirmed a post-mortem examination determined the toddler died from dehydration and hypothermia, with his death classified as a homicide.
Simms had a documented history of mental health struggles and had previously experienced a mental breakdown, prompting her mother to appeal for compassion.
Vontasha Simms posted a photograph of Ji'Aire on Facebook, revealing 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 avoided prison and was ordered to take medication whilst consulting a psychiatrist as part of a deal approved by a Maryland judge, according to Maryland Courts.
The then 25-year-old was facing charges including involuntary manslaughter, first-degree child abuse and child neglect leading to death.
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A forensic psychologist appointed by the court told a Charles County judge that Simms suffered from schizophrenia and was therefore not criminally responsible for the child's death.
Prosecutors agreed to an Alford plea - where the defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges there is sufficient evidence for a conviction.
English (US) · 