The death of a little boy whose body was found in a playground swing being pushed by his mother has been ruled a homicide.
Police were called after the child’s mother was observed pushing the three-year-old in the swing for two entire days in a Maryland Park last month.
The office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore ruled Ji’Aire Lee’s death was the result of dehydration and hypothermia. There were no obvious signs of trauma.
Ji’Aire Lee and his mother Romechia Simms
His mother Romechia Simms has not been arrested but the case will be presented to a grand jury next week.
Simms was taken for a medical evaluation because "it didn't appear that she was fully aware of what was going on," a sheriff's spokeswoman told HuffPost in May.
Concerns about Simms' allegedly erratic behavior arose earlier this year when the boy's father, James "Donnell" Lee, sought custody of their son.
Simms was hospitalised for four days after Ji'Aire's death. She and Lee sat beside each other at their child's funeral, The Washington Post reported.
Useful websites and helplines:
- Samaritans, open 24 hours a day, on 08457 90 90 90
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
- Young Minds offers information to young people about mental health and emotional wellbeing
- HopeLine runs a confidential advice helpline if you are a young person at risk of suicide or are worried about a young person at risk of suicide. Mon-Fri 10-5pmand 7pm-10pm. Weekends 2pm-5pm on 0800 068 41 41
- HeadMeds - a straight-talking website on mental health medication