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Then the child opened its eyes, and looked up into the angel's beautiful face, which beamed with happiness, and at the same moment they were in heaven, where joy and bliss reigned. The child received wings like the other angel, and they flew about together, hand in hand.
Hans Christian Andersen
Each year, more than 20,000 Hoosier children are abused and neglected… it equals 56 children hard every day and one child each week losing his or her life to child abuse.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
JUSTICE IS SERVED! READ THE UPDATES BELOW! Christopher Montgomery & Courtney Simpson CONVICTED!!!!
This memorial website was created in the memory of sweet precious little Elijah Joel Simpson. He passed away on March 30, 2007 at the age of 4 in a motel room in Indianapolis, Indiana. Elijah was beaten and murdered by his mother's boyfriend Christopher Montgomery age 23. Little Elijah was hog-tied, made to stand in a corner for 4 hours and was thrown to the floor because he was falling asleep then put to bed all because he was sucking his thumb! He was found dead the next morning. He had restraint marks on his wrists and ankles and a skull fracture.
Elijah has been a little fighter from his first day of life,
born on January 25th 2003.
He was only 2 pounds 7 ounces when he was born and he was a growing and thriving little boy!
His funeral was today April 6th at the New Beginnings Ministries. Bishop Laverne Tyson during his service said that Elijah was preaching the word of God at age 3.....it's so sad that his life was so brutally taken!
He was buried at New Crown Cemetery in Indianapolis today.
Elijah's mother, Courtney who is 2 1/2 months pregnant wasn't able to attend his funeral because she is in also in jail for his murder. The news said she just stood by and watched her son be beaten and murdered.
I made this website so little Elijah will always be remembered. I didn't know Elijah or his family. I am in Indiana and this has been all over the TV news and newspapers. It makes me cry every time i hear more about it. I want Elijah to be remembered. Elijah has a little 5 year old brother Casey......i just hope Casey remembers the fun times with his brother and not the torture Elijah received that night.
PRAY FOR CASEY AND THAT JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED FOR THIS SENSELESS MURDER!!!
23rd Psalm
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in
green pastures: He leadeth
me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: He leadeth
me in the paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art
with me; thy rod and thy
staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil:
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house
of the Lord forever.
Heaven's Gift
Each child a gift to heaven,
Their spirits on the earth
To watch and to protect us
As they received rebirth
Rainbows forged in heaven
While angels fill the skies
Gentle love and elegance
Each lacy wing now flies
Gathered on soft pillow
On billowy sweet cloud
The gift of love and beauty
With halos now endowed
Heaven's entrance filtered
With gentle baby wings
That light our way to heaven
With love they always bring
Jesus holds these children
Forever in His Hands
Gently He will let them go
His love across the land
Feel a breeze upon you
Floral scent so sweet
Angel sent from heaven
Love that's ours to keep.
-by Francine Pucillo
When God calls children
To dwell with him above
We mortals sometimes question
The wisdom of his love
For no heartache compares with
The death of a child
Who does so much to make our world
Seem so wonderful and mild
Perhaps god tires of calling
The aged to his fold
So he picks a rosebud
Before it can grow too old
God knows how much we need them
And so he takes but few
To make the land of heaven
More beautiful to view
Believing this is difficult
Still somehow we must try
The saddest word mankind knows
Will always be goodbye
So when a child departs
We who are left behind
Must realise God loves children
ANGELS ARE HARD TO FIND
Little Boys
Little boys come in all shapes and sizes,
Shy and adventurous, full of surprises,
With misshapen halos and mischievous grins,
Small dirty faces, and sweet, sticky chins.
They'll keep you so busy, and yet all the while
Nothing can brighten the world like their smile.
And no greater treasure has brought
homes more joy
Than a curious, active, and lovable boy!
- by Unknown Author
Little Boys Are Treasures
Little boys are treasures
Who are worth their weight in gold
And charm everyone around them
From the time they're hours old.
They're little darlings,
They're a special pal,
And they bring the very happiest days
A family's could ever have!
- by Unknown Author
Why God Made Little Boys
God made a world out of His dreams, of magic mountains,
Oceans and streams, prairies and plains and wooded land.
Then paused and thought I need someone to stand, on top of the mountains,
to conquer the seas, explore the plains and climb the trees.
Someone to start out small and grow, sturdy and strong like a tree and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, and banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins.
And when He had completed the task He'd begun,
He surely said, "That's a job well done."
- by Unknown Author
What Are Little Boys Made Of?
Boys are mad of chuckles & grins,
Tousled hair and banged-up shins,
Things with wheels & frogs in pockets
Questions, baseball caps, & rockets;
They're joy & mischief, fun & noise-
That's how it is - boys will be boys!
- by Unknown Author
Little Boys
Little boys come in all shapes and sizes
Shy and adventurous, full of surprises
With misshapen halos and mischievous grins
Small dirty faces, and sweet, sticky chins.
They'll keep you so busy and yet all the while
Nothing can brighten the world like their smile.
And no greater treasure has brought home more joy
Than a curious, active and lovable boy!
- by Unknown Author
PLEASE LIGHT A CANDLE FOR PRECIOUS LITTLE ELIJAH.
Here are some news articles on the murder:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17914234
and
http://www.theindychannel.com/news/11481673/detail.html
and
http://www.theindychannel.com/news/11470208/detail.html
and
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17007939.htm
and
http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=6310843&nav=9TaiPUHM
and
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/155146
and
http://fox59.trb.com/news/childdeath,0,7599265.story?coll=wxin-news-3
and
http://www.nbc14.com/Global/story.asp?S=6308655
STOP THE VIOLENCE!
Justice For Murdered Children.
If We Don't Protect Our Children Then Who Will?
I DON'T WANT ELIJAH TO BE FORGOTTEN
CHILDREN HELD IN OUR
MEMORIES ARE ANGELS FROM HEAVEN!
Thank you Cathy Willits for sponsoring this memorial website!
IN MEMORY OF BABY CHINO
(Cathy Willits Grandson)
http://chino-perez.memory-of.com
Let's keep Elijah's memory alive FOREVER!
Dont forget to light a candle!
This website was created by Brittany Dawson
brit_dawson@yahoo.com
Created 4/21/07
Rest in Peace sweet precious baby boy!
THANK YOU EVERYONE THAT HAS VISITED LITTLE ELIJAH"S MEMORIAL WEBSITE & THOSE OF YOU THAT TOOK THE TIME TO LIGHT A CANDLE FOR HIM AND PAID TRIBUTE! IT MEANS ALOT TO HIS MEMORY!
ELIJAH'S HOPE
Hi everyone! My name is Elijah Simpson people that knew me and loved me called me E.J. On March 30, 2007 my life was senselessly cut short when I was murdered in a case of domestic violence and abuse at the hands of my mother’s boy friend. Although I may be in a better place. There are thousands of children and women that are trapped in similar situations such as me. This is where my grandfather, Pastor and Executive Director of IRCDC Inc. Lawrence Simpson comes in. He has vowed that he will do his best to see that not another incident takes place like what happened to my mother, me and big brother. He has created ELIJAH’S HOPE. Please help him in saving the lives of others like me by contributing Cash, Housing, time, or clothing. Tax deductible contributions may be made at any FLAG STAR BANK (CASH) or contact him at 317-717-3209
Please watch over Casey & Larijah
NOVEMBER 2007
E.J.'s legacy has now expanded to include a house of refuge for women
and children that has suffered from domestic violence. We welcome all
regardless of the conditions they come from. We are located in
Indianapolis Indiana. We do have a needs list and are a non profit organization (501c3) tax deductable status organization.
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE
FEBRUARY 25, 2008
Slain boy's grandpa prays 'for justice to be done'
Nearly one year has passed since the Rev. Lawrence Simpson's 4-year-old grandson died of apparent abuse. In that year, several more Indianapolis children have died violent deaths.
The man accused of killing Elijah Joel Simpson will go on trial today in Marion Superior Court, and Elijah's grandfather hopes the result will hold wider meaning in a difficult year.
"I pray for justice to be done," Lawrence Simpson said. "It's going to be justice for not only E.J., but also the other kids who have been killed in 2007 and early 2008."
Christopher Montgomery, 24, stands accused of binding and beating Elijah inside a motel room, set off by the boy's thumb-sucking, prosecutors said. He faces charges of murder and neglect in the March 30 death.
Courtney Simpson, 25, likely will testify against her former boyfriend under the terms of her earlier guilty plea to felony neglect for waiting to seek medical treatment for her son. She faces 20 to 50 years in prison at sentencing March 5.
In motions, Montgomery's attorneys have outlined plans to put Courtney Simpson's credibility and past conduct at issue during cross-examination.
Lawrence Simpson, who insists Montgomery also abused his daughter, is prepared to hear that, but he said he was confident the truth would come out. Judge Robert Altice has instructed Montgomery's attorneys to avoid relying on hearsay for any claims tying her to abuse of Elijah.
Attempts on Friday to reach public defender Karen Brogan and deputy prosecutor Noah Schafer were unsuccessful.
"None of these people are going to go unscathed -- the killer of Elijah, the killer of TaJanay and the killer of that 8-year-old young lady," said Simpson, 46, referring to other recent deaths.
In November, TaJanay Bailey, 3, died after abuse that prosecutors said was torture. And Karissa Hitchings, 8, died Feb. 8 of a gunshot to the head after shots were fired at her father's house from outside.
Courtney Simpson, who is in Marion County Jail, gave birth in October to a daughter, Larijah, whose father is Montgomery. She and Simpson's other son are in her father's care.
Lawrence Simpson, the pastor at Reformation Ministries, said he is still working to open Elijah's Hope, a shelter for battered women and children, inside a donated house.
About Elijah's Hope
Elijah Simpson's grand- father, the Rev. Lawrence Simpson, plans to open a shelter to help women with children escape abusive relationships. Contributions can be sent to Elijah's Hope, in care of Reformation Ministries, 2431 E. 10th St., Indianapolis, IN 46201.
JUSTICE IS SERVED!!!!!!!!!
UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!
FEBRUARY 27, 2008
Jury convicted an Indianapolis man of murder late Tuesday in the abuse death of a 4-year-old boy.
Christopher Montgomery, 24, Indianapolis, also was convicted of three counts of felony neglect.
Marion Superior Court Judge Robert Altice set Christopher Montgomery’s sentencing for March 12. Montgomery faces up to 65 years in prison on the murder charge and could receive more time on neglect charges.
He also has a trial scheduled Thursday on two more charges — unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and possession of marijuana.
Courtney Simpson faces 20 to 50 years in prison at sentencing March 5.
Elijah Simpson’s grandfather said the guilty verdict against Christopher Montgomery, 24, served as justice for the boy’s death.
Elijah was killed in March after Montgomery, then his mother’s boyfriend, threw him on the floor of the family’s Far Eastside motel room, prosecutors said.
After hearing the verdict in Marion Superior Court, the Rev. Lawrence Simpson said his grandson began life with difficulty, weighing less than 3 pounds at birth.
“He fought hard to get here, and he fought hard in this,” Simpson said. “Someone else spoke for him … about what took place. This is his vindication.”
The jury also convicted Montgomery of three counts of felony neglect.
Elijah’s mother, Courtney Simpson, has pleaded guilty to neglect for waiting to seek medical help for her son. She could face 20 to 50 years in prison.
Earlier Tuesday, Simpson, 25, testified she had returned to the motel about 2 a.m. March 30 from her job as an exotic dancer.
About 5 a.m., she said, Montgomery forced Elijah, who had been sucking his thumb, to stand in the corner for about two hours. Then, he called Elijah to the bed.
The boy froze.
“He looked like he was scared,” Simpson said, her voice shaking and her hands cuffed. “Chris jumped up, and he grabbed Elijah and threw him down. He grabbed him by the arms and legs and threw him down.”
Simpson said Elijah’s teeth clenched, and his arms and fists were balled up in an apparent seizure. But Montgomery wouldn’t let her take Elijah to the hospital, she said, so she went back to sleep.
They drove Elijah to the hospital after noon, when they noticed he had stopped breathing.
In his police statement, Montgomery acknowledged throwing Elijah, a detective testified.
But Montgomery’s defense attorney, Karen Brogan, suggested that Simpson killed the boy, pointing to an incident one week before Elijah’s death in which Simpson admitted to beating him with a belt and yelling at him for soiling his pants.
THANK THE GOOD LORD THAT JUSTICE WAS SERVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!
MARCH 5, 2008
Mom gets 30 years in fatal neglect case
A Marion Superior Court judge sentenced the mother of a 4-year-old murder victim to 30 years in prison today for waiting to seek medical help after his fatal beating at the hands of her boyfriend.
Courtney Simpson, 25, pleaded guilty earlier to felony neglect of her son, Elijah, who died in March 2007 in a motel room on Indianapolis' Far Eastside. A jury convicted Christopher Montgomery, 24, last week of murder and neglect.
Simpson said today that she felt trapped in an abusive relationship and feared Montgomery, so she and her two young sons continued to stay with him.
She testified during the trial that she didn't seek medical help for hours after Montgomery struck Elijah and threw him onto the floor because Montgomery threatened her. The boy later stopped breathing.
Deputy prosecutor Noah Schafer had asked Judge Robert Altice to give Simpson 40 years in prison out of a maximum 50. Anything short of significant prison time would ignore the severity of the incident, he said.
But Simpson's attorney, Michelle Wall, and her parents asked for leniency. "I think she should be able to come home," said her mother, Vanessa Simpson. "Having lost Elijah is devastating. She didn't really have time to grieve (in jail)."
Simpson's father, the Rev. Lawrence Simpson, has been caring for her son Casey, now 6, and Larijah, her son with Montgomery, who was born in October.
Montgomery faces sentencing March 12.
JUSTICE IS SERVED!!!!!!!!!
MARCH 13 2008
CHRISTOPHER MONTGOMERY GETS 65 YEARS!!!!!!!!
A man convicted of murder and neglect in the death of a 4-year-old boy received a 65-year prison sentence Wednesday.
Marion Superior Court Judge Robert Altice sentenced Christopher M. Montgomery, 24, to 55 years in prison for the murder of Elijah Simpson, the son of a former girlfriend. The sentence is to be served consecutively with another 10 years for neglect.
Montgomery’s relatives and defense attorney said they would appeal the convictions.
“I can not fathom that my son has been labeled a murderer,” Herman Christopher Montgomery said during the hearing.
“That is not what Christopher Montgomery is all about.”
But Altice reminded relatives that he had sentenced Montgomery to prison after a 2002 robbery conviction. He was released in June 2005.
“I learned your son was hanging out in hotel rooms all day, smoking weed and not working,” Altice said. “That’s a disappointment.”
In March 2007, when Elijah was beaten, he was living at the Intown Suites, 2301
Post Drive, with Montgomery; his mother, Courtney Simpson; and his older brother.
Elijah was declared dead after Montgomery and Simpson took him to the Community Hospital East emergency room. An autopsy showed that he had suffered a skull fracture, had rope marks on his ankles and wrists, and lacerations on the left side of his forehead.
Police said that Montgomery, upset at Elijah’s thumb-sucking, beat the child and threw him to the floor. The head injury that killed the boy was the equivalent of a 30-foot fall, according to homicide detectives.
According to court testimony, Simpson went to sleep before seeking medical help - several hours later - for Elijah’s injuries. The 25-year-old woman pleaded guilty to neglect, for which she received a 30-year sentence last week. Simpson, who worked as an exotic dancer at the time of the beating, also pleaded guilty to marijuana possession.
Simpson then testified against Montgomery at his trial last month. He was found guilty of murder and neglect, with a trial still pending on gun and marijuana possession charges.
Montgomery was on probation from the 2002 robbery conviction when the child died. He faces a court hearing next month on a probation violation, prompted by the murder arrest.
Elijah was one of the 12 homicide victims age 16 or younger in Indianapolis and Marion County in the last two years.
Elijah's Murderer's
Christopher Montgomery & Courtney Simpson
JUSTICE IS SERVED!!!!!!!!!
REST IN PEACE PRECIOUS ELIJAH!
Visit Elijah's Memorial Wall
Elijah Simpson
ALWAYS REMEMBERED
http://www.we-remember-them.com/showdata.php?section=3
LETS HELP OUR ABUSED CHILDREN!
What YOU can do to help children in need
If you know in your heart, if you sense something is wrong, don't go away! You have to be as relentless as those children can't be. They have no voice at all."
If you think a child is being abused, you can help. YOU can be their voice.
If you suspect child abuse:
Check the child for unusual bruises. Basically, places where little kids don't get bruises.
Check the child for marks that would indicate the use of objects.
Look to see if the child is abnormally isolated.
Take notice of changes in the child's behavior.
Whether you're a child being abused or an adult wanting to help a child, these organizations are there for you.
Childhelp USA
http://www.childhelp.org/
Safe Child
http://www.safechild.org/index.htm
Contact your local congressman or congresswoman for more help.
http://www.house.gov/
or the Department of Children and Family Services in your local area.
Here are phone numbers that can help fight child abuse:
911
1-800-4-A-Child
1-800-Children
Child Abuse: Statistics & Resources http://www.jimhopper.com/abstats/
Important Phone Numbers
Childhelp USA/Forrester National Child Abuse Hotline - (800) 4A-Child
Family Violence Prevention Fund/Health Resource Center - (800) 313-1310
Justice Statistics Clearinghouse - (800) 732-3277
Juvenile Justice Clearinghouse - (800) 638-8736
Mothers Against Drunk Driving - (800) 438-MADD
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children - (800) 843-5678
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information - (800) 729-6686
National Clearinghouse for Child Abuse and Neglect - (800) 394-3366
National Criminal Justice Reference Service - (800) 851-3420
National Organization for Victim Assistance - (800) TRY-NOVA
National Resource Center on Child Abuse and Neglect - (800) 227-5242
National Resource Center on Child Sexual Abuse - (800) 543-7006
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence - (800) 537-2238
National Victim Center - (800) FYI-CALL
Office for Victims of Crime Resource Center - (800) 627-6872
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network - (800) 656-4673
Resource Center on Child Protection and Custody - (800) 527-3223
Victim Services Information & Referral Line - (800) 226-6667
IMPORTANT WEBSITES
Child Abuse Prevention Association http://www.childabuseprevention.org/
Child Lures Prevention
http://www.childluresprevention.com/
Kierra Harrison Foundation http://www.kierraharrison.com/
National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse http://www.childabuse.org/
The Parenting Project http://www.parentingproject.org/
The Shaken Baby Alliance http://www.shakenbaby.com/
Stop Sexual Abuse http://www.stopsexualabuse.com/
One Less Empty Grave
My heart is breaking, Lord.
You know what I feel inside.
Another child has been taken,
Another child has just died.
One can read it in the paper...
or hear it on the news;
another child has suffered
at the hands of cruel abuse.
When will this madness end?
How much more can the children take?
When will we as human beings,
Stand up for a child's sake?
Oh, how sad to think of a baby
left abandoned to die alone.
Or a child in an emergency room,
suffering from bruises & broken bones!
To think of the many parents, Lord,
who've lost a child they dearly love!
Then to think of the so-called parents,
who show emotion with slaps & shoves!
It's hard to even comprehend, Lord,
how this tragedy can persist.
What is that poor child thinking of
as he feels the impact of a fist?
Oh, I know that you hold each child
within the realms of your affection.
Lord, you gave children to us as a gift;
to feel loved... not rejection.
So when I read it in the paper
or hear it on the news,
that another child has suffered,
at the hands of cruel abuse.
I just close my eyes & say a prayer;
That if even one child can be saved...
It's a victory for the children, if....
if there's one less empty grave!
By ~Kaye Des'Ormeaux~
Copyright 1998 Kaye Des'Ormeaux
Website Updated 04/03/2010
by Brittany Dawson
brit_dawson@yahoo.com
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