Richland Co. daycare honors 3-year-old boy who died last July in Beaufort Co.

by Aaron Dixon

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - A Columbia daycare is honoring the life of 3-year-old Jasir Moultrie, more than a year after he died in Beaufort County.

Jasir’s former daycare, Richland County First Steps–Virginia Wingard, dedicated and renamed its playground after him, a place where his family says he spent time learning and playing before his death.

Remembering Jasir

Jasir’s mother, Emirld Smith, said the tribute is a way for others to remember how much her son meant to the people around him.

“I want them to know how special Jasir was,” Smith said. “All babies are special, but Jasir truly touched hearts.”

Smith said the past year has been difficult for her and the family, but events like Friday’s dedication help with healing.

“It helped me to quiet my insecurities; it made me feel that God was letting me know that wasn’t the case and that Jasir was overwhelmingly loved and that I did do what I was supposed to do as a mother while he was with me.”

Father charged in death

Jasir died last July. Investigators said the child suffered critical dehydration and bruising after spending time with his father, Demetrius Moultrie, who is now charged in the case.

According to investigators, Moultrie told law enforcement he had custody of Jasir the day before and took him to work in a truck without air conditioning.

Moultrie allegedly told investigators his son had been eating and drinking throughout the day and later fell off the back steps at home.

Investigators said there was no proof of a fall, and they noted photos and videos provided by Jasir’s mother showed him appearing healthy before that time.

Smith said justice in the case is critical as the family continues searching for answers.

“We still don’t even know what happened to him, what happened to him, what exactly happened,” she said. “He didn’t deserve that… I didn’t deserve that, his siblings, and our family didn’t deserve that.”