Toddler's life remembered one year after death

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - The last time Toni Washington’s family was all together, they were burying her grandson Tyquarious Moultrie.

"We can’t forget and we’ll never forget. We’re trying to move forward but we’ll never forget him. He was a piece of our lives taken unnecessarily,” said Washington.

Tyquarious, or Ty, was killed in July 2011 when authorities allege Dwayne “Money” Pinestraw fired several bullets into an apartment at Pensacola Village.

Authorities say Pinestraw’s target was Ty’s uncle, Vincent Dennis, who was also hit.

“So that’s why we’re coming together to remember the love and the time we did share with Ty. It was a great 22 months with him,” Washington said.

Before gathering for a family dinner, they first visited Ty’s gravesite.

They placed toys and gifts, shared words of remembrance and released balloons in celebration of the the little boy's short life.

“We let the balloons go so they would reach him and we know they will. He’ll probably take them, bite them and tear them up. But they’re his balloons," said Washington.

The anniversary of Ty’s death comes seven months after authorities captured Pinestraw, who they say went on the run after the shooting.

Washington said Pinestraw’s capture makes the day bittersweet.

“It didn’t take away the pain but it did ease the knowledge that we know where he is now. He’s in jail where he has time to think about what he’s done,” said Washington.

She said there isn’t a day that goes by that the family doesn’t miss Ty’s bright personality..

“We want to let him know he’s still in our hearts. He’s not here physically but he’ll always be here for us. We’ll never forget him and I'm going to keep him alive forever,” Washington said.

The family said they plan to get together at Ty's grave every year on the anniversary of his death.

Dwayne "Money" Pinestraw is still awaiting trail.