REMEMBERING EZRA

Ezra Amir Decker-Smith was a loving little boy whose life was taken on February 3, 2016, at just six years old.

Born on April 22, 2009, in Fishersville, Virginia, Ezra was affectionately known to his family as "Bubba."

He was the beloved son of Mariah Shavone Smith and a first grade student at A.R. Ware Elementary School in Staunton, Virginia.

Ezra enjoyed playing video games, swimming, playing Tee-ball with his friends, and eating pizza.

He was a little boy with family members, classmates, and friends who loved him. His obituary remembered his mother, stepfather, two brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncle, and a special cousin.

Ezra should have been enjoying the ordinary experiences of childhood, attending school, playing with his friends, and growing up alongside his brothers.

Instead, he suffered fatal injuries at the hands of his father.

His death also exposed troubling concerns about earlier reports of abuse that had been brought to the attention of child protective services.

Ezra's Story

In early February 2016, Ezra was living in Staunton, Virginia, with his father, Steven T. Decker, and his father's girlfriend, Brianna T. Connolly.

On February 1, 2016, Ezra was taken to Augusta Health with severe head injuries and bruising.

His father claimed that Ezra had fallen while taking a shower and struck his head.

However, medical professionals questioned that explanation.

An emergency room physician testified that Ezra's injuries were not consistent with a simple fall and instead indicated multiple impacts.

Because of the severity of his condition, Ezra was transferred to the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville.

Doctors attempted to save his life, but the injuries were catastrophic.

Medical testimony later described extensive head trauma, severe brain swelling, and injuries throughout his body.

Ezra had also suffered significant spinal trauma.

Investigators determined that his injuries resulted from a violent beating rather than an accidental fall.

Prosecutors alleged that Steven Decker assaulted Ezra because the little boy had wet the bed.

Ezra remained hospitalized for two days.

On February 3, 2016, he died from his injuries.

He was only six years old.

Following his death, his mother, Mariah Smith, made the decision to donate his organs so that other children might have a chance to live.

Even in the midst of unimaginable grief, Ezra's family found a way for his life to help others.

Warning Signs and System Failures

Ezra's death raised serious questions about earlier reports of suspected abuse.

According to testimony and reporting surrounding the criminal case, school personnel had contacted child protective services on two occasions because they were concerned about Ezra's safety.

The concerns included evidence that Ezra had been physically disciplined with a belt.

Child protective services had previously investigated allegations involving his father.

Despite those concerns, Ezra remained in his father's care.

The available reporting indicates that child protective services had been aware of suspected physical abuse before the fatal assault.

Following Ezra's death, questions were raised about whether those earlier interventions had adequately protected him.

Shenandoah Valley Social Services later stated that Ezra's death had not resulted in specific corrective feedback or policy changes for the agency.

The circumstances surrounding his death demonstrated the importance of recognizing repeated reports of suspected abuse and ensuring that children remain safe after an investigation.

Ezra was only six years old.

He depended upon adults to recognize the danger he faced and protect him.

Those earlier concerns deserved serious attention.

JUSTICE FOR EZRA

On February 6, 2016, Steven T. Decker was arrested in connection with Ezra's death.

He was charged with second degree murder and felony child neglect.

Brianna T. Connolly, his girlfriend, was also arrested and charged with felony child neglect.

During the criminal proceedings, prosecutors presented medical evidence demonstrating that Ezra's injuries were caused by severe physical violence.

The defense maintained that Ezra had suffered an accidental fall, but the medical testimony contradicted that explanation.

On August 16, 2017, a jury found Steven Decker guilty of second degree murder and felony child abuse.

The jury recommended a prison sentence totaling approximately 26 years and six months.

A later public statement from a member of Decker's family reported that his sentence was 23 years. The final sentencing record should be consulted to resolve the difference between the jury's recommendation and the sentence ultimately imposed.

Steven T. Decker

Relationship to Ezra: Father

Conviction(s): Second degree murder; Felony child abuse

Sentence: Reported as 23 years in prison; final sentencing record not independently verified

Brianna Connolly was prosecuted separately.

Evidence presented in the case indicated that she knew about the abuse Ezra experienced but failed to intervene or obtain appropriate help.

Prosecutors did not establish that Connolly personally inflicted Ezra's fatal injuries.

In August 2017, Connolly pleaded guilty to felony child neglect.

She received a ten year sentence, with nine years and 362 days suspended, leaving three days of active jail time.

Brianna T. Connolly

Relationship to Ezra: Father's girlfriend

Conviction(s): Felony child neglect

Sentence: 10 years, with nine years and 362 days suspended; 3 days of active jail time

FOREVER REMEMBERED

Ezra Amir Decker-Smith was six years old when his life was taken.

He was a first grader who loved playing video games, swimming, Tee-ball, and eating pizza.

His family called him Bubba.

He had brothers to grow up with, friends to play with, and a family who loved him.

He should have celebrated his seventh birthday.

He should have continued attending school, learning new things, making memories, and enjoying the childhood he deserved.

Instead, his family was forced to say goodbye.

His mother, Mariah, faced the devastating loss of her son and made the compassionate decision to donate his organs.

Through that decision, Ezra was able to help other children even after his own life had ended.

His death also brought attention to the importance of protecting children when signs of abuse are reported.

But Ezra deserves to be remembered for more than the violence that ended his life.

He was a son.

He was a brother.

He was a grandson.

He was a friend and a classmate.

He was Bubba, a little boy who loved pizza, swimming, video games, and playing Tee-ball.

His life was precious, and his future mattered.

Ezra should have been given the chance to grow up.

Abuse Angels remembers Ezra Amir Decker-Smith.

Remembered. Honored. Never Forgotten.