Toddler who died in Biloxi remembered with balloon release

The family of a Biloxi 2-year-old who allegedly was murdered released balloons into the sky above the Mississippi Sound on Saturday to honor the child.

A family came together to release balloons three days after the parents of a 2-year-old boy were charged with the child’s murder.

The balloons seemed to represent a young soul leaving his loved ones too soon.

On December 27, 2021, 21-year-old Hailey Heard reported her son was unresponsive. A few days later, she and 38-year-old Joseph David Heard were arrested, charged with felony child abuse. Days after that, the charges were upgraded to capital murder.

The young victim is described as vibrant and intelligent.

“If his papa took him around somebody, he knew it was good. You know what I’m saying?” said Nelson Fitzpatrick, the boy’s grandfather. “But he took up with them. But he didn’t take up with a lot. But if he took up with you, you was all right. And, you know, I’m just going to miss him.”

It’s believed that the child was a victim of abuse while he was alive. Family members said that the child was kept out of sight — so it wasn’t immediately clear he was in danger.

“We’re trying to raise awareness for child abuse,” said Kelly Bataille, the toddler’s grandmother. “Please, if you see something, say something. Don’t wait too late.”

The parents are being held in Harrison County Jail without bond as they await their hearing.