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'A different cry' | Mom describes heartbreak after finding 7-year-old son dead

Jeffery loved dressing in costumes and was full of energy. He was wearing a one-piece Batman pajama suit when he died, according to the autopsy.

Ciara Bri'd Frisbie, Matt Livingston, Donesha Aldridge (11Alive), Madison Carter, Erin Peterson

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Published: 6:45 PM CST January 21, 2022
Updated: 4:12 PM CST January 23, 2022

Editor's note: This story contains racist language and graphic descriptions of death by suicide involving children. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255. 

Lakeshia Chaney was told she couldn't have any more children, but her son, Jeffery Taylor, came along and proved doctors wrong.

"I had him. That’s why I call him my special baby," Chaney said.

Jeffery loved dressing in costumes and was full of energy. He was wearing a one-piece Batman pajama suit when he died, according to the autopsy.

"I would do anything to have my son back, but the Lord knows it's not going to happen," LaKeshia said.

Jeffery's father, Jermaine Chaney, shared why his son's death still bothers him. 

"It just it feels bad because it's like, it's so strange, how could it slip through the cracks like that, on us?" he said. 

Jeffery was only 7 years old.

In episode two of the series "A Different Cry," Jeffery's parents share their son's struggles and how he died. Experts also discuss how suicide attempts among Black children have increased over the years and how suicides are also undercounted.

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