Balloon release marks one year since Jori Lirette died

Add Us On GoogleAdd as a preferred source on Google

THIBODAUX, LA (WAFB) - It's been one year since news of Jori Lirette's death in Thibodaux left people speechless.

Aug. 14, 2012: loved ones inflated bags of balloons, each inscribed with a simple message - "Justice for Jori." It was in preparation for a balloon release organized by Jori's mom Jesslyn Lirette.

"It may give me another year of strength to go on. It's really hard to say," said Lirette.

The mother described the past year as very difficult. The seven-year-old's dismembered body was found Aug. 14, 2011. Days later, his father, Jeremiah Wright, confessed to killing his son, a second grader with Cerebral Palsy.

"I missed a lot of holidays and celebrations with Jori that we would normally do together," said Lirette.

"He had a smile that would dance out of the room," said Jade Davidson, a family-friend.

Davidson was with Jori his last night. Coming to the balloon release was her way of showing respect to the little boy who gave her a positive outlook on life.

"Such a gorgeous little child, beautiful in every aspect. He is severely missed," said Davidson.

With a prayer and moment of silence, Jori's memory filled the evening sky with each balloon turning Jori's larger-than-life personality into a beacon of hope.

"It will be everlasting and hopefully his memory will float around the country," said Davidson.

A candlelight vigil is scheduled August 25th at the Louisiana State Capitol at 7 p.m. Supporters are also pushing for a new law, Jori's Law, to prevent child abuse against children with Cerebral Palsy.

Wright was ruled competent to stand trial. A competency hearing is scheduled for September 21st.