The Tragic Case of a Valley Mother Charged in the Death of Her 3-Month-Old Baby
On March 11, 2024, the investigation into the death of a 3-month-old baby began when police were called to Phoenix Children’s Hospital regarding a possible case of child abuse.
A devastating story unfolded as Wanda Johnson, the mother of the infant, was charged with first-degree murder and child abuse following the baby’s tragic death. The little girl passed away on March 12 after being hospitalized for two days.
According to court documents, the autopsy revealed alarming injuries suffered by the child, including subdural hemorrhage, cerebral edema, optic nerve sheath hemorrhage, and multiple fractures, among others. Shockingly, the baby was found to have two previously healed rib fractures, indicating a pattern of abuse throughout her short life.
The Start of a Heartbreaking Journey
Police were alerted to the situation on March 11 when Johnson brought the baby to the hospital, claiming the child had experienced seizures. Despite the severity of the situation, Johnson delayed seeking medical attention, opting to wrap the baby in a blanket and go back to sleep after the first seizure.
Subsequent events unfolded with Johnson attempting a dangerous “back cracking adjustment” on the infant, leading to further harm. The baby was eventually rushed to Phoenix Children’s Hospital in critical condition, where medical staff discovered the extent of her injuries.
A Tragic End
Tragically, the baby succumbed to her injuries on March 13, prompting a thorough autopsy that determined her cause of death to be blunt force trauma resulting from assault. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, shedding light on the severity of the abuse suffered by the innocent child.
A Disturbing Revelation
During police interviews, Johnson initially denied causing harm to the child but later admitted to performing the dangerous “back cracking adjustment.” Her sister, however, refuted claims of teaching this technique to Johnson, adding another layer of complexity to the tragic situation.
The details of the investigation painted a harrowing picture of neglect and abuse, culminating in the loss of a precious life. Johnson’s reckless actions and failure to seek timely medical intervention contributed to the baby’s untimely demise.
This heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and prompt action in safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable individuals. May the memory of the innocent child serve as a call to action for greater awareness and protection of those in need.
