Romuan J. Moyes, 45, has been arrested for the horrific death of his son, Jacarie Robinson, who was only 12 years old.
The boy’s body was found in a state of severe decomposition and malnutrition on October 10 at his home on Elmhurst Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, drawing nationwide attention and initiating a four-month manhunt for Moyes.
According to the Milwaukee County Jail records, Moyes was taken into custody on Sunday, February 25, with $500,000 bail. He faces charges, including first-degree reckless homicide, chronic neglect of a child, and failure to report the death of a child. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 4. If convicted, Moyes could spend up to 82 years behind bars.
Jacarie’s body was found inside a blanket on a couch at his Milwaukee home. The Medical Examiner’s Office reported the deceased was emaciated and malnourished, with signs of decomposition. It is believed Robinson had died weeks before he was found, indicating neglect and suffering.
Moyes, who had previously faced accusations of neglect or abuse between 2003 and 2020 that were determined to be unsubstantiated, was the sole caregiver for his young son at the time of the incident. His other older children were residing with their mother. The arrest has unearthed disturbing details of the conditions leading to Robinson’s death, with reports of him being isolated from family and subjected to harsh discipline.
Jordan, Robinson’s older brother, expressed his shock and sorrow to local media, stating, “It [doesn’t] even feel real. Just from getting the call and then progressing to today, I woke up and I was just really thinking in my thoughts like, ‘Dang my little brother’s really gone.’”
Police were alerted after Moyes failed to respond to texts from his 21-year-old son, leading to the discovery of Jacarie’s body.
The family is left with many unanswered questions about Jacarie’s death. Did his school notice he wasn’t attending? Why wasn’t he reported missing?
After his discovery, Robinson’s family gathered together to honor his life.
As the family paid tribute to their lost brother and son, they filled the sky with green balloons. Green was Jacarie’s favorite color.