Aaron Ishmael, my son, was a happy and healthy 20-month old boy. He loved Thomas the Train, Barney, being outdoors, and spending time with his family. His mom and I were divorced, and he lived at both of our homes.
On October 2, 2007, Aaron's life came to an end.
The day before, an ambulance was called to the apartment he lived in with his mom as Aaron was unresponsive. Aaron was taken first to a Bloomington, Illinois hospital, and then flown to a nearby Peoria, Illinois hospital. Over the next several hours, Aaron was surviving only on life support. Upon consultation with medical staff, his mom and I made a decision no parent should have to make - take Aaron off life support.
Weeks later, an autopsy revealed Aaron sustained blunt force trauma to the head and his death was ruled a homicide.
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In 2007, I returned my son to his mother as part of our custody arrangement. I had no idea that it would be the last time I would see him alive. Two days later, his mom and I were asked to make a choice about life support. While I though that decision was "simple" because Aaron had no brain activity, that decision haunts me to this day.
Months later we would find his death was a homicide. A suspect was arrested. A trial was scheduled. Charges where dropped. Today, Aaron's case is a cold case, but my son is not a "case" he was the love of my life. A beautiful boy.
This is the story of the last days of Aaron's life. Please help me write the final chapter of his short life. A chapter that ends with justice and peace.
I am asking for your help to bring him, his family, me - that justice. A toddler's murderer should not be allowed the freedom my son lost. Please help. If you know anything, no matter how small you feel it is, please use the "report tip" buttons on each page to see how you can share what you know.
Thank you!
Richie Ishmael
"A son's memory is reflected in the hearts he touched"
