REMEMBERING NYIER

Nyier Devon Langston was just 17 months old when his life was tragically taken on October 27, 2021, in Norman, Oklahoma. At only 17 months old, Nyier was still discovering the world around him. He was at an age filled with first words, little footsteps, curiosity, and the excitement of learning something new every day. He was a precious son whose parents loved him deeply. He had a family who looked forward to watching him grow, celebrating his milestones, and seeing the little boy he would become. Instead, Nyier's life was cut short after he suffered horrific injuries while in the care of his aunt's boyfriend, Demontre Deshawn Rose. Nyier was rushed to the hospital on October 23, 2021, after becoming unresponsive. Doctors worked to save his life, but the injuries he suffered were devastating. Four days later, on October 27, Nyier died. His death left his family grieving the loss of a little boy who should have had an entire lifetime ahead of him.

NYIER'S STORY

 In October 2021, Nyier Devon Langston was staying with family in Norman, Oklahoma. His mother, Bobbi Barneys, had arranged for him to spend time in the care of his aunt, Deja Funches. While Nyier was away from his parents, his family trusted that he would be protected and cared for. On October 23, 2021, Nyier was left in the care of his aunt's boyfriend, 21 year old Demontre Deshawn Rose. During that time, Nyier suffered severe physical abuse. According to the Norman Police Department, Rose later admitted to investigators that he had placed a sock inside Nyier's mouth and laid his body on top of the toddler until the little boy became unresponsive. Nyier could not defend himself or escape. That same day, emergency personnel responded to Norman Regional Hospital after Nyier was brought in unresponsive. Medical professionals immediately began lifesaving treatment. Because of the severity of his condition, Nyier was transferred to another hospital for advanced medical care. Doctors discovered extensive injuries throughout his small body. According to investigators, Nyier had suffered lacerations to his spleen and liver, a collapsed lung, fractured ribs, bruising, bite marks, and hemorrhaging in both eyes. The injuries revealed that Nyier had experienced severe physical trauma. His condition was critical. Investigators with the Norman Police Department began examining what had happened while Nyier was in Rose's care. When questioned by detectives, Rose reportedly confessed to acts of abuse, including placing the sock in Nyier's mouth and lying on top of him until he lost consciousness. Rose was arrested on October 23, 2021, and booked into the Cleveland County Detention Center on a complaint of child abuse by injury. Meanwhile, Nyier remained hospitalized on life support. His family faced the unimaginable reality that their little boy might never recover. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Nyier's injuries were too severe. On October 27, 2021, four days after he was hospitalized, Nyier died from the injuries he had suffered. Following his death, the criminal complaint against Rose was amended to first degree murder. Nyier's parents were left devastated. His family established a fundraiser to help bring his body home from Oklahoma to the Atlanta area, where they wanted to lay their precious little boy to rest. In their message, his parents described him as their sweet little boy and expressed the heartbreak of losing him to child abuse. Nyier should have returned home to his family. He should have been held in his parents' arms, surrounded by the people who loved him, and given the opportunity to grow up. Instead, his family was forced to make funeral arrangements for a child who had not yet reached his second birthday.

JUSTICE FOR NYIER

On October 23, 2021, the Norman Police Department began investigating after 17-month-old Nyier Devon Langston was brought to Norman Regional Hospital unresponsive. Medical personnel discovered severe internal injuries and other signs of physical abuse. Investigators determined that Nyier had been in the care of Demontre Deshawn Rose, the boyfriend of his aunt, when he became critically injured. Detectives questioned Rose about what had happened. According to police, Rose confessed to placing a sock inside Nyier's mouth and lying on top of him until he became unresponsive. Investigators also documented numerous injuries, including lacerations to Nyier's spleen and liver, a collapsed lung, fractured ribs, bite marks, bruising, and hemorrhaging in both eyes. Rose was arrested on October 23, 2021, and booked into the Cleveland County Detention Center on a complaint of child abuse by injury. Nyier remained on life support as doctors attempted to save him. On October 27, 2021, Nyier died from his injuries. Following his death, authorities amended the criminal complaint against Rose to first degree murder. The Norman Police Department continued its investigation through its Criminal Investigations Division. Although the arrest and first degree murder allegation were publicly confirmed, a final conviction or sentence has not been independently verified in the available records reviewed for this memorial.

Demontre Deshawn Rose

Relationship to Nyier: Aunt's Boyfriend

Charge: First degree murder

Sentence: No final sentence independently verified

FOREVER REMEMBERED

Nyier Devon Langston was only 17 months old when his life was taken. Seventeen months is such a short time to experience the world. He was still a baby in so many ways, learning, growing, and discovering the little things that make childhood special. He should have had years of birthdays, family celebrations, and precious memories ahead of him. He should have been able to run into his parents' arms, learn new words, make friends, and experience the excitement of growing up. There should have been family photographs, holidays, laughter, and countless ordinary moments that his loved ones would treasure forever. Instead, Nyier's life ended before he reached his second birthday. His death was especially heartbreaking because he was far too young to understand the danger he faced. He could not protect himself. He could not explain what was happening. He depended on the adults around him to treat him with patience, gentleness, and love. Nyier deserved to feel safe. He deserved to be comforted when he cried, protected when he was vulnerable, and surrounded by people who valued his life. His family should have been welcoming him home, not preparing to say goodbye. Although Nyier's life was tragically short, he was so much more than the violence that took him away. He was a son, a nephew, and a precious little boy whose life mattered deeply to those who loved him. His parents' efforts to bring him home for burial reflected the love they continued to carry for him, even after his life had ended. No child should ever experience the suffering Nyier endured. And no family should have to bury a baby because someone entrusted with his care chose violence instead of protection. Abuse Angels honors and remembers Nyier Devon Langston, a precious little boy whose life was taken far too soon. We remember him not for the cruelty he suffered, but for the innocent child he was and the beautiful future he deserved. His name was Nyier Devon Langston. He mattered. He was loved. And he will never be forgotten. Remembered. Honored. Never Forgotten.