A year after this toddler's death, SC daycare center dedicates a playground to him

On the first anniversary of 3-year-old Jasir Moultrie’s tragic death, the playground at his former daycare was dedicated to him. The Richland County First Steps - Virginia Wingard location in Columbia held a dedication ceremony Friday morning, unveiling a plaque to be placed on the preschool’s baby playground.

Jasir’s mother, Emerild Smith, a Beaufort native, wants the public to know his story.

“People that are coming together for him, to experience that, is beautiful and it makes it a little easier to have to live with,” Smith said about the playground dedication event. “I want people to know that Jasir was loved by everyone over here that he touched.”

Jasir died July 17, 2025, in Beaufort County while staying with his father, Demetrious Moultrie. Moultrie has since been charged with homicide by child abuse.

How the playground dedication came to be

Smith said the plans for the playground dedication started when she ran into Jasir’s former daycare teacher, who had not yet heard about the child’s death. The teacher, Sophia Davis, was devastated and told the rest of the daycare staff, starting the efforts for the memorial.

“It didn’t have a name, so we just decided to dedicate our new baby playground to Jasir,” Davis said. “So you know everybody could remember him because he was well-loved.”

Davis recalled Jasir’s sweet nature, big smile and easy eating habits for a toddler.

“I always told his mama, ‘He always eats his vegetables,’ and he’d always eat them first.” Davis said. “You know, so yeah, we kind of laughed.”

A balloon release to celebrate Jasir’s birthday

Smith said friends and family also gathered for a balloon release on May 13, Jasir’s birthday, to celebrate his memory.

“He wasn’t a very outgoing baby, so when you did capture his heart, that’s when you got to experience him,” Smith said.

Moultrie has been held in the Beaufort County Detention Center since Oct. 20, 2025, and faces 20 years to life in prison if found guilty. He has a second appearance before the Beaufort County 14th Circuit Court on Aug. 4.

Moultrie previously served 18 months of probation after pleading guilty to a felony firearms charge in 2013, according to Beaufort County court records. Moultrie has since had numerous drug charges, including large-scale trafficking and possession. Those have not been adjudicated yet.