Damari was just six years old when he was reported missing, and the news of his disappearance spread across the state overnight. The story of his disappearance was immediately questioned by most viewers, and soon enough, the story was proven to be the most horrific thing one would have possibly imagined. Murder of a child by his family, who worked together to cover up his murder and death.
When Damari was reported missing on January 5, 2022, this story that was given included his underage teenage sister took him to a party and disappeared at some point. She went back and reported it to her family, and the police were called. He was assumed to have been in Skokie, Illinois.
Law enforcement knew the story wasn't fitting with the facts in their investigation. Damari's mother, brother and sister were all arrested.
Days after he was reported missing, his lifeless body was found in an abandoned home on the 700 block of Van Buren Street in Gary, Indiana. Soon thereafter, the truth would begin trickling to the public.
Damari was reportedly forced into a cold shower by a relative for an unknown period of time which cause him to vomit and become unresponsive. This was all cause simply because he 'misbehaved'. again, Damari was just 6. No one called first responders, and the harm caused by his family cause his death.
When Demari's body was found, he had been wrapped in a plastic trash bag, naked.
Damari's mother, Jannie M Perry, 39 was charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a homicidal death.
His brother, twenty-year-old Jeremiah R Perry was charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm to a child under twelve, one count of concealment of a homicidal death, and obstruction of justice. He was initially held on a $3 Million Dollar bail. His brother pleaded not guilty and initially chose to represent himself in court. He is now additionally charged with first-degree murder among other charges.
Damari's father was a great part of his life, and was not implicated in connection to his disappearance or death.
The autopsy shows that Damari froze to death, and then 'partially burned and suffered 'charring'. There is evidence that was presented in court that both the mother and the brother attempted to burn Damari's lifeless body.
DCFS
The Department of Children and Family were involved with the Perry family in the past. In 2015 Jannie Perry lost custody of all six of her children including Damari. Damari was born in the foster care system. DCFS gave all of her children back to her two years later.
COURT
Mother Jannie Perry's charges:
2021-12-301 murder with intent to kill or injure
2021-12-302 murder with strong probability to kill or injur
2021-12-303 murder with other forcible felony
2021-12-304 murder with other forcible felony
2021-12-305 murder with intent to kill or injure
2021-12-306 murder with strong probability to kill or injure
2021-12-307 murder with other forcible felony
2021-12-308 murder with other forcible felony
2021-12-309 aggravated battery of a child under 13
2021-12-3010 dismembering a human body
2021-12-3011 Conspiracy dismembering a human body
2021-12-3012 aggravated domestic battery
2021-12-3013 concealment of a homicide
2021-12-3014 cause child endangerment or death
2021-12-3015 abuse of a corpse or remove without authorization
2021-12-3016 concealment of a death or move body
2021-12-3017 obstruct justice or destroy evidence
2021-12-3018 parent give false information of a child
2021-12-3019 Failure to report the death of a child under 13
Brother Jeremiah Perry's charges:
Murder with intent to kill or injure
Murder with strong probability to kill or injure
Murder or other forcible felony
Murder or other forcible felony
murder with intent to kill or injure
Murder with strong probability to kill or injure
Murder or other forcible felony
Murder or other forcible felony
Aggravated battery of a child under 13
Dismembering a human body
Conspiracy in dismembering a human body
Aggravated domestic battery
Concealment of a homicidal death
Cause of child endangerment or death
abuse of a corpse or remove without authorization
concealment of a death or move body
obstruction of justice or destroy evidence
Delays continue in both of their cases. As of August 2022, there are no trial dates set.
We will continue to update our website as more information comes forward.
May justice be swift and harsh.
Rest in peace little man.
OBITUARY
Damari L. Perry, blessed the world with his arrival on Dec 30, 2015 born to Dalvin Driver and Jannie Perry. Damari was born in Belvidere, Illinois weighing 7lb 8oz.
Damari was born a fighter and ready for the world. Damari was a little guy but had a big personality, big smile and a big heart. Damari was so full of life and his energy was unmatched. Damari had a huge impact on everyone and a smile that lit up any room. Damari loved freestyling songs that he created. Damari loved watching YouTube. His favorite show was Miss Monica, Circle Time. Damari loved his snacks and wasn't picky when it came to sugar. Damari's favorite person was his Father. He looked up to him so much. Damari was looking forward to starting school this year but unfortunately his life was cut short on Dec 30, 2021.
Damari was preceded in death by his phenomenal grandmother, Brenda J. Driver.
Damari leaves to cherish his precious memories his parents, Dalvin Driver(Chemika) and Jannie Perry; three brothers, Dashawn Driver, Dalvin Driver Jr. and Jayden Driver (Jeremiah and Jahmel Perry); three sisters, Jakara, Joselind Driver and Unique (Janay Perry); grandfathers, Alvin Driver and Johnny Perry Sr.; grandmother, Beverly Perry; four aunties, Delonya, Delesha, Dalorra Driver and Jatuan Perry; two uncles, Darius Driver and Johnny Perry Jr.; a favorite big cousin, Drenya Driver and a host of cousins and relatives.