# 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.
- Title: Great-aunt fatally beat toddler while providing care for the…
- Summary: North Carolina woman charged with murdering 21-month-old great-niece during alleged childcare. Stephanie Kay Johnson, 37, faces murder and child abuse…
- Keywords: stephanie kay johnson, yadkin county sheriff's office, north carolina, child abuse, murder, great niece, toddler, blunt force trauma, homicide, crime, news, Great-aunt
- Source: Law & Crime — https://lawandcrime.com/crime/great-aunt-fatally-beat-toddler-while-providing-care-for-the-child-police
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: stephanie kay johnson, yadkin county sheriff's office, north carolina, child abuse, murder, great niece, toddler, blunt force trauma, homicide, crime, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Stephanie Kay Johnson, 37, faces murder and child abuse charges after allegedly fatally beating her 21-month-old great-niece while providing care.