Suspect arrested 4 years after 2-year-old dies in Statesboro hospital in Augusta

Lina PortmanJune 6, 2024

0 1 minute read

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) – An arrest has been made in the investigation into the 2020 death of a 2-year-old from Statesboro who later died at an Augusta hospital.

The Statesboro Police Department released a statement regarding the June 14, 2020 death.

Nearly four years later, Dorothy Deshay Johnson was arrested in connection with the death.

On June 14, 2020, Statesboro Police Department officers responded to a 2-year-old child who was not breathing at a residence on Best Street in Statesboro.

The child was then transported to Augusta Hospital but died a short time later.

Detectives began an investigation and conducted several interviews, as well as documents the child's medical and family history.

Forensic doctors began a long period of work to determine the cause and manner of the child's death.

After a review, the findings were forwarded to the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit Attorney's Office along with SPD investigative files.

On Monday, June 3, 2024, the circumstances of the child's death were presented to the Bulloch County Grand Jury who returned an actual indictment against Statesboro resident Dorothy Deshay Johnson.

According to the Statesboro Police Department, Johnson is the mother of the deceased child.

Johnson is charged with Felony Murder, Cruelty to Children 1st Degree, and Aggravated Assault.

Johnson was arrested the following day, Tuesday, June 4, and transported to the Bulloch County Jail where she awaits further legal action.

Anyone with information about this case should contact Lead Detective Eric Short at 912-764-9911 or submit an anonymous tip at www.cityprotect.com/forms/statesboroga.gov/anonymous.