North Chicago mom sentenced to 45 years in abuse murder of son

Judge says 'that little boy probably never had a moment of joy in your care'

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a child's shackled wrist against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh camera flash, conceptually representing the cruelty and inhumane treatment suffered by the victim.A chilling close-up captures the harsh reality of child abuse, as the justice system seeks to hold perpetrators accountable and protect the most vulnerable.Gary Today

Jannie Perry, 42, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the first-degree murder of her 6-year-old son Damari. Authorities said the child was made to stand in a cold shower on his birthday until he convulsed and died, and his body was later taken to an abandoned area in Gary, Indiana where his siblings attempted to burn the corpse.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of child abuse and the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable children from harm. It also raises questions about the role of other family members in enabling or covering up such abuse.

The details

According to prosecutors, on December 30, 2021, Jannie Perry forced her son Damari to stand in a cold shower until he convulsed and died. Afterwards, Perry and some of her other children took the boy's body to an abandoned area in Gary, Indiana and tried to burn the corpse using charcoal briquets. A cell phone video shown in court depicted one of Damari's siblings slapping the naked, thin boy while his head bounced off a kitchen counter. Prosecutors said the sibling had shared the video with Jannie Perry, who texted back 'I'm so tired of his skeleton-looking ass'.

  • On December 30, 2021, Damari Perry was killed on his 6th birthday.
  • Jannie Perry has been in jail since her arrest 4 years ago.

The players

Jannie Perry

A 42-year-old North Chicago woman who pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder of her 6-year-old son Damari.

Damari Perry

The 6-year-old son of Jannie Perry who was killed by his mother on his birthday.

Dalvin Driver

The father of Damari Perry, who said his son was 'everything to me'.

Jeremiah Perry

Damari's older brother who is awaiting trial on murder charges related to the case.

Eric Rinehart

The State's Attorney who said 'If you choose to harm a child, and that child dies as a result of your abuse, you will be charged with murder'.

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What they’re saying

“'That little boy probably never had a moment of joy in your care. I have no words to describe what kind of person would do that. I can't imagine what he felt every day of his life.'”

— Judge Christopher Lombardo, Lake County Judge

“'This was the day he should have been showered with gifts and love by his family. Instead, he was showered with cruelty, hatred and inhumane treatment.'”

— Stephen Scheller, Assistant State's Attorney

“'I'll still pray for you, but God's got the last call.'”

— Dalvin Driver, Damari's father

“'I made a huge mistake. My kids are my world. Damari was my world, too.'”

— Jannie Perry

What’s next

Jeremiah Perry, Damari's older brother, is awaiting trial on murder charges related to the case.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for stronger child protection measures and a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse. It serves as a somber reminder that we must do more to ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children in our communities.