SAN ANTONIO — One year after the tragic death of 1-year-old Jiryiah Johnson, his family gathered to honor his memory with a celebration they call his “first year in heaven.”

Jiryiah was killed in October 2024 after being attacked by dogs at his babysitter’s home on the city’s Northeast Side. He was rushed to the ICU but later died from his injuries.

His parents, Julian Johnson and Erika Castro, said they chose to come together with loved ones on the anniversary of his death—not just to mourn, but to celebrate his life.

“Rather than isolate ourselves and handle it (alone), we decided to get together to celebrate rather than just mourn,” said Johnson.

The past year has been filled with what unimaginable grief, but through their sorrow, they’ve found purpose.

“It brings comfort, a sense

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