WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Romechia Simms was just 24-years-old when her schizophrenia drove her to commit this devastating act
An expert has shed light on the “heartbreaking” inner world of a mother who tragically pushed her toddler on a swing for 44 hours, leading to his death aged just three.
Romechia Simms was only 24 when her schizophrenia led her to commit this devastating act, pushing the lifeless body of her son, Ji’Aire Donnell Lee, for hours after he died from dehydration and hypothermia. Phil Macleod, a mental health expert and Founder of Thought Reader, spoke to The Express about how Simms’ devastating condition, coupled with the challenges of having a young child, could have easily distorted her reality. Phil said: “This story is truly heartbreaking. It’s difficult to find words for a tragedy like this, one that reminds us just how fragile life and the human mind can be.”
In a tragic turn of events, police discovered Ji’Aire was still alive when first placed on the swing, but died two days later, reports the Express. They were alerted to the chilling scene at La Plata park, South Maryland, in the US, in 2015 by a worried member of the public. Simms had a history of mental health problems and had previously suffered a mental breakdown, prompting her mother to plead for understanding.
Phil explained: “Schizophrenia is not just a difficult illness; it’s a condition that can completely alter a person’s sense of what is real. For those living with it, the line between reality and imagination can blur in ways that are deeply confusing and frightening.
“Having a new baby is a huge adjustment for any parent. It takes patience, love, and endless attention. For someone struggling with untreated schizophrenia, that new responsibility can become unbearably heavy. In her mind, the mother may have believed she was doing something kind or ordinary – taking her child to the park, letting him play on the swing – not realising that something was terribly wrong. That’s the cruel nature of this illness: it can twist perceptions so deeply that even loving intentions can lead to tragedy.”
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office revealed their investigation showed Simms had been pushing her son on the swing since they arrived at the park 44 hours earlier, at around 11.15am on May 2, 2015.
The temperature had dropped to 10C overnight. Spokeswoman Diane Richardson confirmed a post-mortem examination determined the toddler died of dehydration and hypothermia. Vontasha Simms shared a photo of Ji’Aire on Facebook, announcing she was establishing a charity in his memory to draw attention to “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.
“Those that suffer from mental illness may live 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.”
She added: “We don’t know all the details of what happened, and it’s important not to make assumptions. But from what has been reported, it seems possible that the mother may have stopped taking her medication or lost touch with the professionals helping her.”
Phil shares this view. He said: “Schizophrenia is not just a difficult illness; it’s a condition that can completely change a person’s sense of what is real. For those living with it, the line between reality and imagination can blur in ways that are deeply confusing and frightening. Schizophrenia doesn’t simply ‘go away’- it’s a lifelong condition that needs ongoing care, understanding, and stability. Without that, the person can easily slip back into confusion and fear, cut off from the world around them.
“Daily tasks – preparing food, maintaining conversations, or looking after oneself – can seem like insurmountable obstacles. Looking after another person, particularly an infant, can become utterly overwhelming without proper treatment and support.”
In 2016, Simms avoided a prison sentence and was ordered by a Maryland judge to stick to her medication regime and attend psychiatric appointments as part of a court-sanctioned deal, according to Maryland Courts documents. She was hit with multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter, first-degree child abuse, and child neglect resulting in death.
A court-appointed forensic psychologist told a Charles County judge that Simms was battling schizophrenia, which meant she couldn’t be held criminally liable for her child’s death. The prosecution agreed to an Alford plea – a situation where the defendant doesn’t admit guilt but acknowledges there’s enough evidence for a conviction.
Phil emphasised that we don’t have the full picture, so it’s crucial not to jump to conclusions. The specialist outlined where it’s believed Schizophrenia stems from, explaining: “a combination of factors – genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences.”
He continued: “Imbalances in brain chemicals like dopamine can disrupt how thoughts and emotions are processed, while stress, trauma, or social isolation can make symptoms worse. It often begins in early adulthood and can change the course of someone’s entire life.
“But with the right treatment, support, and compassion, people living with schizophrenia can and do live meaningful, stable lives. This story is devastating for everyone involved – for the child whose life was lost far too soon, for the mother whose mind was consumed by illness, and for the family and community left grieving and trying to understand how this could happen.
“It’s a painful reminder that mental illness is not a choice or a failure of character. It’s an illness of the brain, one that needs care, compassion, and constant support – because without that, even the most ordinary moments can turn into heartbreak.”
