Funeral Arrangements Set for 2-Year-Old Arkansas Girl Who Died After Tragic Beating
The community of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, has been left heartbroken following the tragic death of a 2-year-old girl who, authorities say, died as a result of severe physical abuse. Now, family, friends, and mourners from across the state are preparing to say their final goodbyes as funeral arrangements for the toddler have been officially announced.
A Life Cut Far Too Short
The little girl, identified by family as Amariah Lewis, was described as joyful, playful, and full of light. She loved dancing to music, cuddling with her favorite stuffed animals, and giggling with her older cousins. Her family never imagined her life would be cut short in such a violent and heartbreaking way.
Authorities confirmed earlier this month that Amariah died from blunt-force trauma sustained during what investigators believe was an episode of extended abuse. Her injuries were so severe that medical personnel at Jefferson Regional Medical Center immediately alerted the Arkansas Department of Human Services, triggering a full investigation.
A Community in Mourning
As news of Amariah’s passing spread, residents of Pine Bluff began leaving teddy bears, candles, and flowers outside the modest home where she had lived. A small cross with her name was hammered into the ground near the porch steps. Neighbors wept openly, struggling to come to terms with the horror of what happened just a few doors down.
“She was such a sweet little girl,” said Tanya Henderson, a neighbor. “I’d see her outside sometimes chasing bubbles or waving at cars. It breaks my heart. I can’t stop thinking about what she must have gone through.”
The mayor’s office issued a statement of condolence, calling the child’s death a “tragedy that shakes the soul of our entire city.”
Funeral Details Announced
The family has announced that funeral services for Amariah Lewis will be held on Saturday, August 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, a local institution known for rallying around families in need. A public visitation will take place the night before, Friday, August 2nd, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Young’s Funeral Home in Pine Bluff.
A representative for the funeral home stated that the family requested an open casket viewing to “let the world see that she was real, and that her life mattered.”
“She wasn’t just another headline,” said her aunt, Brianna Thomas. “She was our baby girl, and she deserved to grow up, to go to school, to chase her dreams. We won’t let her be forgotten.”
The family has asked mourners to wear pink or purple — Amariah’s favorite colors — in her honor. Balloons will be released outside the church following the service.
Arrest and Investigation
In connection with Amariah’s death, police have arrested her mother’s boyfriend, 25-year-old James Caldwell, who has been charged with capital murder and first-degree battery. According to arrest documents, Caldwell admitted to “disciplining” the child but denied intending to cause her fatal injuries. He is currently being held without bond at the Jefferson County Jail.
The child’s mother, 22-year-old Shania Lewis, is also under investigation. While she has not been charged as of now, prosecutors have not ruled out additional arrests. Officials stated that Amariah had older bruises and signs of past injuries, suggesting long-term abuse.
“We are pursuing justice for this child with every tool at our disposal,” said Prosecuting Attorney Angela Hodges. “This wasn’t a one-time incident. This was torture.”
The Arkansas Department of Human Services has faced criticism in the wake of Amariah’s death, with some local advocates demanding an audit of past complaints filed with the agency. A DHS spokesperson confirmed that there had been at least one prior welfare check at the residence, but no children were removed at the time.
A Call for Change
Community leaders, child welfare activists, and clergy are using Amariah’s death to call for more robust protection of vulnerable children in the state. Pastor Reginald Banks of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, who will officiate the funeral, said the tragedy is a reminder of the need for vigilance.
“Too many of our children are falling through the cracks,” he said. “It’s not just about grief now. It’s about change. We have to be better — all of us.”
A candlelight vigil was held last weekend in downtown Pine Bluff, where nearly 200 people showed up with signs that read “Justice for Amariah” and “Every Child Deserves Safety.” Several speakers addressed the crowd, including teachers, social workers, and other parents who shared stories of surviving childhood abuse.
One speaker, a foster mom who asked to remain anonymous, tearfully told the crowd, “I would’ve taken her in. So would a dozen others here tonight. This should never have happened.”
Remembering Amariah
While the circumstances of her death have shocked the community, her family hopes people will remember how she lived — with joy, innocence, and a heart full of laughter.
“She loved to twirl in her dresses and pretend to be a princess,” said her grandmother, Denise Lewis. “Every night she’d say, ‘Goodnight, Nana, I love you to the moon and back.’ That’s what I hold on to now.”
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses, and any excess funds will go toward starting a foundation in Amariah’s name to raise awareness about child abuse.
