LOCATION
Harlem, New York, U.S.
TIME PERIOD
September 29, 2016
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
Zymere Perkins, a six-year-old boy, was murdered on September 29, 2016, in Harlem, New York, after enduring severe abuse and neglect at the hands of his mother, Geraldine Perkins, and her boyfriend, Rysheim Smith. Both were charged in connection with his death; Geraldine Perkins pled guilty to second-degree manslaughter and received a sentence of two to six years, while Rysheim Smith was convicted of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter, resulting in a sentence of 25 years to life. Prior to Zymere's death, multiple reports of abuse had been made to the New York City Administration for Children's Services, which failed to remove him from the dangerous environment, leading to significant scrutiny and subsequent changes within the agency. The case highlights systemic failures in child welfare oversight and has prompted ongoing discussions about child protection policies.
There is widespread belief that the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS) failed to protect Zymere Perkins despite multiple reports of abuse, leading to calls for accountability and reform within the agency. Many speculate that systemic failures in child welfare oversight contributed directly to his death, prompting public outrage and demands for changes in how child abuse cases are handled. Additionally, some community members express concern over the legal consequences faced by Geraldine Perkins and Rysheim Smith, arguing that their sentences do not adequately reflect the severity of the crime.
The Tragic Tale of Zymere Perkins
On a somber day in Harlem, New York, the life of a young boy, Zymere Perkins, came to a heartbreaking end. Born on June 21, 2010, Zymere's short life was marred by abuse and neglect, culminating in his tragic death on September 29, 2016, at the tender age of six. The story of Zymere Perkins is a tale of system failures, missed opportunities, and the devastating consequences of abuse.
Early Life and Troubled Beginnings
Zymere Perkins entered the world in New York City, born to Geraldine Perkins. From the start, life was fraught with challenges. Both mother and child tested positive for marijuana at birth, prompting an investigation by the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS). However, the allegations remained unsubstantiated. Geraldine, a recent high school graduate, lived with her grandmother, who had raised her. Yet, family tensions soon arose. Seven months after Zymere's birth, a family dispute led to Geraldine and her infant son being evicted from her grandmother's home, accused of having an affair with her grandmother's husband.
For the next several years, Geraldine and Zymere lived a precarious existence. Homeless and struggling, Geraldine resorted to prostitution to make ends meet, moving from shelter to shelter with Zymere in tow. Her circumstances led her to a drug treatment facility, where she admitted to fabricating a crack addiction to gain entry. It was here that her abusive tendencies towards Zymere became apparent. Geraldine later confessed to using a belt to discipline her son, as she suffered from lupus and found it difficult to use her hands. Shelter staff witnessed these beatings but merely warned her of the consequences if caught again.
The Arrival of Rysheim Smith
In May 2015, Geraldine's life took another turn when she met Rysheim Smith, a man twice her age. Their relationship quickly escalated, and by summer, Geraldine and Zymere moved into Smith's Harlem apartment, where he was illegally squatting. It wasn't long before Smith's abusive nature revealed itself. Zymere, already struggling with bedwetting and fecal incontinence, became a target for Smith's harsh punishments. Testimonies later revealed that Zymere was often starved, sleep-deprived, and beaten with sticks as punishment for his incontinence.
A Cycle of Abuse and Neglect
Reports of abuse trickled into ACS, but the agency's response remained inadequate. On June 30, Smith reportedly lashed Zymere with a belt for drawing on a wall with a crayon. Zymere's cries were so loud they could be heard from the street below. Despite this, ACS merely offered Geraldine parenting services, which she declined.
The cycle of abuse continued unabated. On August 28, 2015, a neighbor found Zymere wandering alone after being left unattended by Geraldine and Smith. This neighbor, who had a physical altercation with the couple days later, reported the incident and Zymere's injuries to ACS. Yet again, no action was taken. By February 2016, Zymere's school alerted ACS to multiple injuries, including an apparent broken jaw, facial scratches, and a missing tooth. Still, the agency failed to intervene, accepting conflicting stories from Zymere and his mother.
The Final Days
As the months passed, Zymere's situation grew increasingly dire. On July 4, 2015, during a family barbecue, a minor incident led to hours of brutal punishment for Zymere at the hands of Smith. Forced to stand in a corner all night, Zymere endured physical abuse, denied food, and forced into a push-up position for hours. In October 2015, another disturbing episode occurred when Smith knocked out several of Zymere's teeth, punishing him for inappropriate behavior reported by his school.
Shortly before Zymere's death, Geraldine confided in her great-aunt, expressing fear that Smith might harm her or Zymere. The family noted that Zymere had not returned to school for the 2016-17 academic year. Tragically, on September 29, 2016, Zymere's life was cut short, and his lifeless body was buried on October 8, 2016, in a private ceremony at Rosedale and Rosehill Cemetery in Linden, New Jersey.
The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
The death of Zymere Perkins triggered a public outcry and a scrutinization of ACS's failures. The agency faced state censure, leading to the firing of several employees and the resignation of its Commissioner, Gladys Carrion.
Geraldine Perkins and Rysheim Smith faced the legal consequences of their actions. Geraldine pled guilty to second-degree manslaughter, receiving a sentence of two to six years in prison. In contrast, Rysheim Smith stood trial and was convicted of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and endangering the welfare of a child. He received a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
The tragic murder of Zymere Perkins remains a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities within the child welfare system and the devastating impact of unchecked abuse.
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Zymere Perkins Born
Zymere Perkins is born in New York City to Geraldine Perkins.
Geraldine Meets Rysheim Smith
Geraldine Perkins meets Rysheim Smith, who begins abusing Zymere.
Zymere Perkins Murdered
Zymere Perkins is fatally beaten by Rysheim Smith.
Zymere's Burial
Zymere Perkins is buried in a private ceremony.
Geraldine's Guilty Plea
Geraldine Perkins pleads guilty to second-degree manslaughter.
Rysheim Smith Convicted
Rysheim Smith is convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced.
ACS Censured
New York City Administration for Children's Services is censured for failures in Zymere's case.
Zymere Perkins, a six-year-old boy, was murdered on September 29, 2016, in Harlem, New York, after enduring severe abuse and neglect at the hands of his mother, Geraldine Perkins, and her boyfriend, Rysheim Smith. Both were charged in connection with his death; Geraldine Perkins pled guilty to second-degree manslaughter and received a sentence of two to six years, while Rysheim Smith was convicted of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter, resulting in a sentence of 25 years to life. Prior to Zymere's death, multiple reports of abuse had been made to the New York City Administration for Children's Services, which failed to remove him from the dangerous environment, leading to significant scrutiny and subsequent changes within the agency. The case highlights systemic failures in child welfare oversight and has prompted ongoing discussions about child protection policies.
There is widespread belief that the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS) failed to protect Zymere Perkins despite multiple reports of abuse, leading to calls for accountability and reform within the agency. Many speculate that systemic failures in child welfare oversight contributed directly to his death, prompting public outrage and demands for changes in how child abuse cases are handled. Additionally, some community members express concern over the legal consequences faced by Geraldine Perkins and Rysheim Smith, arguing that their sentences do not adequately reflect the severity of the crime.
The Tragic Tale of Zymere Perkins
On a somber day in Harlem, New York, the life of a young boy, Zymere Perkins, came to a heartbreaking end. Born on June 21, 2010, Zymere's short life was marred by abuse and neglect, culminating in his tragic death on September 29, 2016, at the tender age of six. The story of Zymere Perkins is a tale of system failures, missed opportunities, and the devastating consequences of abuse.
Early Life and Troubled Beginnings
Zymere Perkins entered the world in New York City, born to Geraldine Perkins. From the start, life was fraught with challenges. Both mother and child tested positive for marijuana at birth, prompting an investigation by the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS). However, the allegations remained unsubstantiated. Geraldine, a recent high school graduate, lived with her grandmother, who had raised her. Yet, family tensions soon arose. Seven months after Zymere's birth, a family dispute led to Geraldine and her infant son being evicted from her grandmother's home, accused of having an affair with her grandmother's husband.
For the next several years, Geraldine and Zymere lived a precarious existence. Homeless and struggling, Geraldine resorted to prostitution to make ends meet, moving from shelter to shelter with Zymere in tow. Her circumstances led her to a drug treatment facility, where she admitted to fabricating a crack addiction to gain entry. It was here that her abusive tendencies towards Zymere became apparent. Geraldine later confessed to using a belt to discipline her son, as she suffered from lupus and found it difficult to use her hands. Shelter staff witnessed these beatings but merely warned her of the consequences if caught again.
The Arrival of Rysheim Smith
In May 2015, Geraldine's life took another turn when she met Rysheim Smith, a man twice her age. Their relationship quickly escalated, and by summer, Geraldine and Zymere moved into Smith's Harlem apartment, where he was illegally squatting. It wasn't long before Smith's abusive nature revealed itself. Zymere, already struggling with bedwetting and fecal incontinence, became a target for Smith's harsh punishments. Testimonies later revealed that Zymere was often starved, sleep-deprived, and beaten with sticks as punishment for his incontinence.
A Cycle of Abuse and Neglect
Reports of abuse trickled into ACS, but the agency's response remained inadequate. On June 30, Smith reportedly lashed Zymere with a belt for drawing on a wall with a crayon. Zymere's cries were so loud they could be heard from the street below. Despite this, ACS merely offered Geraldine parenting services, which she declined.
The cycle of abuse continued unabated. On August 28, 2015, a neighbor found Zymere wandering alone after being left unattended by Geraldine and Smith. This neighbor, who had a physical altercation with the couple days later, reported the incident and Zymere's injuries to ACS. Yet again, no action was taken. By February 2016, Zymere's school alerted ACS to multiple injuries, including an apparent broken jaw, facial scratches, and a missing tooth. Still, the agency failed to intervene, accepting conflicting stories from Zymere and his mother.
The Final Days
As the months passed, Zymere's situation grew increasingly dire. On July 4, 2015, during a family barbecue, a minor incident led to hours of brutal punishment for Zymere at the hands of Smith. Forced to stand in a corner all night, Zymere endured physical abuse, denied food, and forced into a push-up position for hours. In October 2015, another disturbing episode occurred when Smith knocked out several of Zymere's teeth, punishing him for inappropriate behavior reported by his school.
Shortly before Zymere's death, Geraldine confided in her great-aunt, expressing fear that Smith might harm her or Zymere. The family noted that Zymere had not returned to school for the 2016-17 academic year. Tragically, on September 29, 2016, Zymere's life was cut short, and his lifeless body was buried on October 8, 2016, in a private ceremony at Rosedale and Rosehill Cemetery in Linden, New Jersey.
The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
The death of Zymere Perkins triggered a public outcry and a scrutinization of ACS's failures. The agency faced state censure, leading to the firing of several employees and the resignation of its Commissioner, Gladys Carrion.
Geraldine Perkins and Rysheim Smith faced the legal consequences of their actions. Geraldine pled guilty to second-degree manslaughter, receiving a sentence of two to six years in prison. In contrast, Rysheim Smith stood trial and was convicted of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and endangering the welfare of a child. He received a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
The tragic murder of Zymere Perkins remains a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities within the child welfare system and the devastating impact of unchecked abuse.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Zymere Perkins Born
Zymere Perkins is born in New York City to Geraldine Perkins.
Geraldine Meets Rysheim Smith
Geraldine Perkins meets Rysheim Smith, who begins abusing Zymere.
Zymere Perkins Murdered
Zymere Perkins is fatally beaten by Rysheim Smith.
Zymere's Burial
Zymere Perkins is buried in a private ceremony.
Geraldine's Guilty Plea
Geraldine Perkins pleads guilty to second-degree manslaughter.
Rysheim Smith Convicted
Rysheim Smith is convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced.
ACS Censured
New York City Administration for Children's Services is censured for failures in Zymere's case.