WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Two Arrested, Mother Sought in Fatal Child Abuse Case
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Shonna Johnson
Joe JohnsonTwo people have been arrested in the death of a child and Savannah-Chatham police are searching for a third. They will be arraigned today in a case of child abuse that has even the most seasoned detectives upset.
Officers arrested Shonna Johnson, 27, and Joe Johnson, 29, yesterday. Police say the couple was taking care of 2-year-old Quawee Lee at an apartment on Ogeechee Road after the mother's boyfriend dropped the child off.
About 4:30pm Tuesday, the Johnsons called for an ambulance when they said the child began vomiting and became unresponsive. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Investigators say they found signs he had been bound around his wrists and ankles along with graphic signs of abuse, including burns and abrasions all over his body. An autopsy showed the child died from blunt-force trauma and a history of physical abuse.
"In my 32 years, probably the worst I have ever seen," said Capt. Bob Merriman of the case. "Everyone here is pretty emotional about it, but the detectives that worked on this case have done a very good job."
Those detectives are still looking for more evidence in the neighborhood.
They're charging Shonna Johnson with murder and Joe Johnson with first-degree criminal cruelty to a child.
Detectives are still looking for the little boy's mother, Shatoya Lee. They want to question her about the case.
If you know where she is, or know anything about the case, call CrimeStoppers at 234.2020.
You can also contact CrimeStoppers online:
click here.
