The Mississippi community continues to seek justice eight years after the tragic death of 1-year-old Jurayah Smith, whose life was cut short while in the care of T’Kia and Morris Bevily. Jurayah was found dead on October 22, 2017, just a day after being placed in their custody, a case that has since drawn national attention and heartbreak.
According to autopsy findings, Jurayah died from multiple blunt head injuries, which included scalp contusions, a skull fracture, and internal brain bleeding — both subarachnoid and epidural hemorrhages. The medical examiner also noted asphyxia of undetermined cause associated with her injuries. The manner of death was ruled homicide.
The circumstances surrounding Jurayah’s death remain deeply troubling. Family members say she was a healthy and joyful child when she left their care on October 21, 2017, but within 24 hours, she was dead.
Her biological mother has continued to fight for accountability, maintaining that the child’s death was preventable and that those responsible should face consequences.
The case has been marked by emotional court proceedings and intense public scrutiny. The Bevilys, who had temporary custody of Jurayah at the time, were initially charged in connection with her death. However, the legal process has faced multiple delays and reversals, leaving many in the community frustrated and calling for renewed investigation.
Advocates for child welfare have pointed to Jurayah’s case as a tragic reminder of the vulnerabilities children face within custody systems and the urgent need for reform to ensure safety and accountability.
Community members in Clarke County continue to hold vigils in Jurayah’s memory, lighting candles and sharing messages of love and justice. Her story has resonated far beyond Mississippi, with thousands expressing outrage on social media and demanding answers.
As the eighth anniversary of her death is marked, supporters say their fight is not over. “We will keep saying her name,” one family member said. “Jurayah deserves justice, and we will not stop until she gets it.”
Authorities have not announced any new developments in the case, but pressure continues to mount for a full review of the circumstances that led to the toddler’s fatal injuries.
Jurayah Smith’s story remains one of profound sorrow — a life of innocence lost too soon, and a family’s unending pursuit of truth and justice