REMEMBERING TYLER

Tyler Daniel Dasher was just 13 months old when his life was taken on November 15, 2011, in Affton, Missouri.

Born on September 28, 2010, Tyler had only recently celebrated his first birthday. He was still a baby, discovering the world around him and depending entirely on the adults in his life for love, comfort, and protection.

His paternal grandfather, Johnny Ellington, remembered Tyler as a beautiful, wonderful little boy. His father's family saw him frequently, and he was loved by those who knew him.

At just over a year old, Tyler should have had an entire childhood ahead of him. He should have been learning new words, taking steps, playing with toys, and experiencing the countless milestones that come with growing up.

Instead, his life ended following a violent assault inside his own home.

Tyler's Story

On November 15, 2011, Shelby Dasher contacted police to report that her 13 month old son had disappeared from his crib.

She told investigators that she had put Tyler to bed the previous night, overslept the following morning, and discovered him missing when she woke up.

Police responded to the family's home in Affton, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri.

Investigators found no signs of forced entry.

A search began for the missing toddler, and authorities initially considered the possibility that Tyler had been abducted.

That afternoon, at approximately 3:30 p.m., people walking their dog discovered a child's body in a wooded area near New St. Marcus Cemetery, approximately one mile from Tyler's home.

Authorities confirmed that the child was Tyler Daniel Dasher.

The investigation quickly shifted from a missing child case to a homicide investigation.

On November 16, 2011, Shelby Dasher was arrested and charged with second degree murder.

According to St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch, Shelby admitted that she had repeatedly struck Tyler because he was crying and would not lie down and go back to sleep.

Investigators reported that she struck him multiple times before disposing of his body near the cemetery.

The medical examiner determined that Tyler died from multiple blunt force injuries to his head.

Authorities also reported that the medical examiner found no evidence of previous abuse.

Tyler's death was the result of a violent assault, not an accident or an abduction.

He was only 13 months old.

JUSTICE FOR TYLER

Following Tyler's death, prosecutors charged his mother, Shelby Dasher, with second degree murder.

She initially pleaded not guilty.

The case continued through the criminal justice system before Shelby eventually entered a guilty plea.

She was convicted of second degree murder and child abuse resulting in death.

She received a 25 year prison sentence.

Shelby Anne Dasher

Relationship to Tyler: Mother

Conviction(s): Second degree murder; Child abuse resulting in death

Sentence: 25 years in prison

A second person, Edgar Rivas, who was identified as Shelby's boyfriend, also faced criminal charges in connection with the handling of Tyler's body.

Rivas was accused of helping conceal the child's death and disposing of evidence.

He ultimately pleaded guilty in connection with concealing Tyler's body and received a three year prison sentence.

Edgar Rivas

Relationship to Tyler: Mother's boyfriend

Conviction(s): Offense involving concealment of Tyler's body

Sentence: 3 years in prison

Rivas was not identified as the person who inflicted Tyler's fatal injuries. His criminal responsibility concerned the concealment of Tyler's death.

FOREVER REMEMBERED

Tyler Daniel Dasher lived for just 13 months.

He had only recently celebrated his first birthday when his life was taken.

He should have had so many more birthdays.

There should have been first words, childhood friendships, school pictures, family celebrations, and years of memories.

Instead, Tyler's family was left grieving a little boy whose life had barely begun.

After his death, members of the Affton community gathered to remember him.

Flowers, stuffed animals, and other tributes were placed near the location where his body had been discovered.

A small memorial cross was also placed nearby.

Months later, a message painted along the River Des Peres expressed that Tyler would remain in people's hearts.

These memorials reflected the grief of a community that had come to know Tyler through the tragedy of his death.

But Tyler was more than the circumstances that ended his life.

He was a son.

He was a grandson.

He was a little boy whose family remembered him with love.

His life deserved to continue beyond November 15, 2011.

Tyler should have grown up surrounded by people who loved and protected him.

Although his childhood was taken from him, his name and memory deserve to remain.

Abuse Angels remembers Tyler Daniel Dasher.

Remembered. Honored. Never Forgotten.