Tragic Case of Child Neglect: Father Sentenced for Death of Emaciated 12-Year-Old Son

A Wisconsin father, Romuan J. Moye, has been sentenced to 47 ½ years in prison for the death of his 12-year-old son, Jacarie Robinson. Moye pleaded guilty to first-degree reckless homicide, chronic neglect of a child, and failure to report the death of a child.

According to court records, Jacarie’s body was found emaciated, weighing 54 pounds, with two broken arms, and covered in maggots. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivello described the case as the worst she has seen in her 30 years of service.

Moye’s arrest came four months after Jacarie’s brother discovered his body in an advanced state of decomposition in Moye’s home. Authorities credited a tip from an outside source for leading them to Moye after months of searching.

Detective Mike Driscoll noted that Moye disappeared after Jacarie’s body was found. Moye’s sentencing brings closure to the case, with authorities expressing relief that justice has been served.

The case highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable children and holding accountable those responsible for their care.

In an interview with WDJT, Milwaukee authorities credited a tip from an outside source for leading them to Romuan J. Moye, the father of 12-year-old Jacarie Robinson, who was found dead in his apartment. Thomas Kotnik, of the Milwaukee Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Division, described the tip as initially seeming insignificant but ultimately proving crucial in locating Moye after months of searching.

Detective Mike Driscoll shared that Moye had “disappeared” after Jacarie’s body was discovered, leaving his residence and remaining unseen until his arrest. Driscoll highlighted the tragic circumstances of Jacarie’s death, stating that Moye had withheld food from his child as a form of discipline.

The investigation began on October 10 when officers responded to a “dead on entry” call at an apartment complex, where they found Jacarie’s body. The caller, identified as Moye’s 22-year-old son, JM, reported the deceased child to the emergency dispatcher.