Jessie Webber’s presents are wrapped under his grandmother’s Christmas Tree.
Tammy Banbury remembers her grandson, about to turn 2 years old next month, as a happy, smiling baby whose best buddy was Banbury’s pit bull-German shepherd mix, Capone.
The 23-month-old was inseparable from the dog, who is protective of all four of Banbury’s grandchildren.
“I really wish that Capone was there that night,” she said.
Jessie was found unresponsive just before 8 p.m. Wednesday by his mother, blood coming from his nose and mouth, and a shoe print on the front of his shirt, according to Lorain police. Police and LifeCare responded to the 1600 block of East 30th Street for the unresponsive toddler, who was taken to Mercy hosptial where he succumbed to his injuries.
A 13-year-old neighbor has been charged in connection with Jessie’s death, according to police.
“I’m at a loss for words right now, because I don’t understand. I don’t understand how a 13-year-old can do that to a 1-year-old,” Banbury said.
Banbury, of Lorain, said her daughter, Heather — Jessie’s mother — had gone to the neighbor’s house to pick up dinner and left the boys watching movies.
She wasn’t gone long, but when she came back the lights were off and she had a feeling that something was wrong.
“When she went in, the boy told her that Jessie was sleeping and when she turned on the light and she seen, he ran,” Banbury said.
The 13-year-old ran from the scene and initially was reported missing. He was found and taken into custody and remains at the county Juvenile Detention Home, according to police.
The teen had grown up with Jessie and his family, Banbury said, as both the boy’s mothers were friends. He’d played with all of Banbury’s grandchildren.
Lorain Police Sgt. Tabitha Angello said the teen didn’t have a known history with their department.
For Banbury, she’ll remember her “little tornado.”
“He would come to my house and my house would be upside down,” she said. “But he was happy. … He was just a really happy baby, energetic and playing.”
Jessie had just started to talk, Banbury said, calling for his “Nana” and “Mommy,” though he admittedly had learned some cuss words, too.
They were all looking forward to Christmas and his birthday in January.
Banbury wants to know why the teen allegedly killed her grandson, leaving her family to pick up the pieces — and wants to see Jessie get justice.
“The little cousins are confused a little, they don’t understand. His sister is — she’s 9 so she’s trying to get (through) the best way she can. His aunts and uncles, it’s not good,” she said. “We’re all just lost and heartbroken.”
The family is accepting donations to help cover Jessie’s funeral costs. Money can be sent to Banbury’s CashApp, $Bigsexii0420 or Heather’s, $Spruce561.
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