DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Two-year-old J’Asiah Mitchell was found dead in August 2023. He was reported missing by his father, Artavious North, and a week later, the toddler's remains were found in a landfill.
On Friday, his father was indicted on five charges, including murder and concealing the death of another.
“We miss him. It's not the same. It won't ever be the same,” said Leriesa Mitchell, J’Asiah’s grandmother.
On Wednesday, Mitchell told 11Alive she wants to start a foundation in her grandson’s, or as she calls him, her "grandshine's" honor.
“Remember him as a sunshine, smiling, happy baby because he was,” Mitchell said. “And I know he's dancing in the skies.”
Mitchell said they still celebrated his birthday on April 23 this year. She hopes to include the annual Birthday Bash as part of the foundation she wants to start to help families who are dealing with tragedies, just like so many families helped them.
“They didn't forget about us. They didn't leave us hanging. They all stepped in. Even people that didn't even know us from left or right. Didn't know our names. Didn't know where we were from. Didn't know anything about us. They donated. They came to the house. They show all the love that anybody could possibly want,” Mitchell said. “And half of these people. I don't even know their names to this day. But they still showed love.”
She said she hopes the party will not only give them a reason to celebrate but also be a way to collect donations to help families. Mitchell said the Birthday Bash is the perfect way to honor J’Asiah.
“He was the life of the party,” she said with a smile.
Mitchell plans to keep the celebrations going every year on April 23 for as long as she possibly can. She added that "everyone" is invited.