From Law & Crime · · 1m 40s
Great-aunt fatally beat toddler while providing care for the child
North Carolina woman charged with murdering 21-month-old great-niece during alleged childcare.
In brief
North Carolina woman charged with murdering 21-month-old great-niece during alleged childcare. Stephanie Kay Johnson, 37, faces murder and child abuse charges after allegedly fatally beating her 21-month-old great-niece while providing care. Originally reported by Law & Crime.
Great-aunt charged with murder
Stephanie Kay Johnson, 37, is accused of killing her 21-month-old great-niece in North Carolina.
Child death ruled homicide
The toddler's death was determined a homicide caused by blunt force trauma after medical care.
Investigation began April 30
Yadkin County Sheriff's Office started investigating after responding to a home emergency on April 30.
First responders performed CPR
First responders performed CPR at the scene before taking the child to a hospital.
Child had prior non-accidental trauma
Sheriff's office found evidence of earlier non-accidental trauma before the child died.
Autopsy confirmed blunt force trauma
The child died from blunt force trauma after the autopsy determined the manner of death was homicide.
Arrest warrant details
An arrest warrant issued October 8 states Johnson killed the child with malice aforethought while providing care.
NCSBI assisted investigation
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation assisted Yadkin County Sheriff's Office in the case.
Child services launched investigation
Yadkin County Department of Social Services also launched an investigation into Johnson.
Grandfather described child as happy
The victim's grandfather described the toddler as happy and full of love before Johnson's arrest.
Johnson arrested without bond
Johnson was arrested without incident and held in Yadkin County Jail without bond.
The key point
Stephanie Kay Johnson, 37, faces murder and child abuse charges after allegedly fatally beating her 21-month-old great-niece while providing care.
