SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – One Savannah family is looking for answers from the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office about the death of 2-year-old Amire Levert.
“I just wish I could save him,” said Erika Johnson, the toddler’s grandmother.
Records show Amire died of blunt force trauma to the head, which led to seizures, a possible stroke and brain damage.
The man accused of his murder is Jatarri Tanksley, who was arrested back in August of 2021.
But according to Johnson, that’s the end of the information the family has.
MORE: Family devastated as boyfriend charged in toddler’s death granted bond
“We know nothing. We don't know how he was hurt. We don't know if he suffered,” she told News 3.
Johnson said the DA’s office won’t talk to her or her daughter, not even informing them of when a hearing may happen. She says since Amire's killing, she or Amire's mother have not spoken to a prosecutor or anyone who could offer details about the circumstances in the case.
"I call. They won't let me speak to the DA. I get hung up on,” Johnson said. “The secretary is really rude. She's nasty and I resent it because he is the victim. I'm his grandmother. I deserve to know what's going on.”
Three years after Amire’s death, Tanksley still hasn’t gone to trial.
The family has questioned why the trial of Lelani Simon, convicted of killing her toddler son back in 2022, went to trial before Amire's case, which happened a year earlier.
According to court records, a jury trial has been scheduled three different times in the past year but then delayed. In the publicly available court records, there was no reason given for the delay or cancellation of a trial date.
"Do you believe in what the DA's office is doing? No. No, I do not. They're not doing anything for me. Out of three years, I've never met anybody from this office, Out of three years, no one has personally called me and my daughter,” Johnson said, “Out of three years, no one has talked to us about what to expect when we go to trial. Where's the respect?"
The grandmother came to News 3 a year ago with similar complaints and questions. We reached out to the DA’s office then, but got no answers.
“I'm going to give my last breath for justice to be served,” said Johnson.
Leilani Simon found guilty of murder in death of toddler son Quinton
“My grandson was a human being. He was somebody special. He was somebody I loved and I still love,” she continued. “I want this trial to go and I want justice for my grandson. And I want to hear from your office. That's what I would tell her."
News 3 again asked District Attorney Shalena Jones for some answers. Her office said that the Victim’s Witness Office has been in touch with the family since 2021, and the case “has been handled in accordance with office policy.” She provided a list of of a series of dates since the murder which she says shows the VWAP members have reached out or contacted the family.
Cook's office added that if she had a question about scheduling this case, she should contact the courts, not the DA"s office. The courts are in charge of when cases go to trial.
But several people in the legal community told News 3 that the court of Judges will not speak to victims or families about a case and will refer them back the the District Attorney's Office for information on any potential hearings or trials.
The office continued: “Every case involves a unique set of facts and legal issues. Ultimately, the court is responsible for scheduling trials. We cannot comment further due to the pendency of the case."
Cook's office did not comment on the claim that Johnson was treated rudely or hung up on by a member of the DA's team.
A motion hearing in the case is scheduled for Nov. 14.