The heartbroken Hobart family of a newborn baby who tragically lost his life following an alleged serious assault in early December have remembered their “sweet angel” on what would have been his first birthday.
10-month-old Khaylan Shayne Butler passed away at the Royal Hobart Hospital after he was allegedly shaken and dropped into his cot at a Warrane home during the early hours of December 1.
On Thursday, around 50 people gathered at North Warrane Oval to remember Khaylan on his birthday.
Before the event, his mother Maddison Butler expressed her love for Khaylan and shared how much she misses him every day.
“In your short 10 months of life, you grew such a big cheeky personality. You were the happiest baby anyone would ever meet,” Butler wrote on the ‘Justice For Khaylan’ Facebook page.
“You were always getting up to mischief and doing anything you weren’t supposed to. Every time I’d say “KHAYLAN, what are you doing!?” You’d just turn and give me that cheeky grin.”
Butler is determined to ensure that Khaylan’s name is heard and remembered.
“Today we should be celebrating with you, instead we’re celebrating in memory of you, left with only those very special memories,” she said.
“There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t miss you, or think about you … I’m doing everything in my power to ensure your name is heard, your face is remembered and you get the justice you deserve and I’ll fight until my last breath.”
Daniel John Ridgers, 25, has been charged with one count of murder over the incident and is yet to enter a plea.
He is scheduled to appear in court next month.
