Family grieves toddler found deceased in Marietta woods; 'He was a joy'
Family wants justice after 2-year-old found dead
The body of 2-year-old Messiah Harris was found in a wooded area near a Marietta apartment complex after police questioned a caregiver's report.
MARIETTA, Ga. - The family of 2-year-old Messiah Harris spoke publicly Wednesday morning after the toddler's body was discovered hidden in a wooded area near a Marietta apartment complex last Friday.
Grieving family members of 2-year-old Messiah Harris made public statements at Marietta Square around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
The backstory:
The toddler was found dead the night of Friday, Aug. 7, near Briggs at Powers Park off Ridge Run Road.
Police charged 23-year-old Dairon Keith, the boyfriend of Harris' mother, in connection with the child's death.
Keith was tasked with watching the boy when he placed a 911 call claiming Harris was missing.
Investigators said Keith made inconsistent statements to responding officers and failed to make sense during questioning. Officers accused Keith of placing Messiah's body in the woods and covering it with dirt and vegetation.
Keith appeared in court over the weekend facing charges of concealing a death and making false statements to 911 dispatchers and investigators. A judge denied him bond on the charges.
Family speaks after Marietta 2-year-old found dead
The family of 2-year-old Messiah Harris spoke publicly at Marietta Square on Wednesday morning after the young child was tragically found dead in the woods near an apartment complex.
What they're saying:
Harris was just shy of turning three on Aug. 22 when he passed away, his aunt, Tiara Redding, revealed. Loved ones initially held onto hope during the search.
"We thought he was going to be returned. We didn’t know it was going to be like this... I just kept on praying and praying," she said.
Redding explained that his loss has left a hole in their family, and they are demanding accountability for his death.
"Messiah deserves justice, and we are trusting that law enforcement will conduct a thorough and complete investigation to ensure full accountability for his death," Redding said.
Harris' aunt said that he was full of love and brought joy to everyone who knew him.
"Everywhere he went, he was a joy. He would talk to strangers he didn't even know. They would love him. Like, he played with everybody. He loves to play. He loves the playground," Redding recalled. ""He literally was like a little old man to us. If he was mad, he would make us happy."
She also said that Harris' mother is taking it day by day after attempts to navigate her grief.
Redding expressed the family's gratitude to their community for the outpouring of support they have received after the young boy's death.
"This overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, messages, and donations over the past few days has been a light in the darkest moment of our lives," Redding said on behalf of their family.
What you can do:
Loved ones created an online GoFundMe fundraiser to help support Harris' parents financially while they mourn the loss of their child.
"Nothing can ever replace Messiah, and no amount of support can take away this loss, but my hope is that this fundraiser can ease some of the burden so they can focus on grieving, healing, supporting one another, and honoring their son's beautiful life," the GoFundMe organizer wrote.
What we don't know:
Police have not released Messiah's exact cause of death while the medical examiner completes an autopsy.
Officials noted that the investigation remains active and additional criminal charges may be filed.
Previous stories
- Inconsistent 911 call leads to arrest in 2-year-old's death
- Man charged after allegedly placing toddler's body in Marietta woods
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from law enforcement officials and court proceedings, who detailed the timeline of the investigation and criminal charges, as well as an online GoFundMe organizer.