Late on Saturday, 1-year-old Upper Marlboro native Journee Moore was the subject of an emergency call in Northwest DC after going into cardiac arrest.
According to police, officers were called at around 10:50 p.m. on Sept. 28 to a home in the 3700 block of Connecticut Avenue NW, where they found the 1-year-old suffering from critical injuries.
Moore was rushed to the Children's National Hospital by DC Fire and EMS personnel, where the child would later be pronounced dead from blunt force trauma.
Now, friends and family are rallying around the community as they hope to give the 20-month-old child a proper Celebration of Life and funeral.
"Journee Moore was a delightful and energetic 20 month old that loved life and brought joy and happiness to her family," Moore's father's godmother said.
"Journee's passing has left us heartbroken, but we can ensure her memory lives on by supporting her family in their time of need."
Thousands of dollars have been raised on behalf of the Moore family in less than 24 hours since a fundraiser was organized for them.
"This is a sad situation, this is Zay’s best friend Brandon’s daughter and she was murdered on Saturday night, beaten to death by someone, not sure who yet," a donor posted on social media. "May God give the family strength and understanding at this time."
Those looking to support the family can do so here.
Organizers also used the platform to cite John 16:22 from the Bible, which refers to Jesus' death and resurrection and was said to provide comfort for his followers.
"The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you'll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you.”
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