Two foster parents in North Dakota, Jamie Johnson, 44, and Raymond Johnson, 62, are facing serious charges after their 3-year-old foster daughter, who had autism, died in their care.
The couple is accused of months of abuse, including physical beatings and mistreatment, which ultimately led to the child’s tragic death. Here’s what we know about the case.
The Tragic Death of the 3-Year-Old Girl
On March 19, 2024, Jamie Johnson called 911 to report that the 3-year-old girl was unresponsive. First responders arrived to find the child dead, with an autopsy revealing she died from blunt force trauma to the head.
Initially, Jamie Johnson claimed the child had fallen down the stairs days earlier. However, the investigation uncovered a much darker story.
Allegations of Abuse and Torture
According to the lawsuit and police investigation, the young girl had been subjected to brutal punishment for months. Jamie Johnson allegedly admitted to becoming “crabby” and frustrated with the child’s behaviors, which were attributed to her autism.
The child was reportedly beaten, yanked by her hair, and forced to sleep on a cot. The abuse was ongoing, and Jamie Johnson admitted in text messages that she had difficulty handling the girl’s behavior, which included crying and self-harming.
Ring camera footage revealed Jamie Johnson striking and punching the child several times. In one disturbing instance, Jamie Johnson allegedly covered the girl’s mouth and told her to “shut up” when she cried.
She also allegedly pulled the girl’s hair multiple times, causing her to hit her head on the floor, table, or wall.
Other Acts of Abuse
The abuse didn’t stop there. Jamie Johnson reportedly hit the child with a spoon, targeting her abdomen, chest, and face. The child, who was unable to defend herself, would often bite Jamie Johnson or try to pull away. When she did, Jamie Johnson allegedly responded with closed-fist punches.
Raymond Johnson, described by other children in the home as the “nice one,” also reportedly participated in the abuse. He was said to have kicked the girl, but not as severely as Jamie Johnson. However, the children noted that Raymond Johnson never intervened when he witnessed the abuse.
The Foster Parents’ Text Messages
Text messages between Jamie and Raymond Johnson revealed the cruel mindset behind the abuse. Jamie Johnson referred to the child’s behavior as “total brat moves” and even mentioned shaking the girl when she held her breath.
In one message, Jamie Johnson referred to the girl passing out due to her behavior and joked about it.
Despite the child’s special needs, Jamie Johnson reportedly expressed frustration with her behavior, describing her as a “nervous wreck” due to the child’s crying, self-harming, and tantrums.
Charges Against the Johnsons
Both Jamie and Raymond Johnson are now facing multiple charges, including murder, child abuse, felony murder, and felony domestic violence.
They are accused of inflicting serious injuries on a child under 12, which led to her death. The couple is due in court on July 24 for their preliminary hearing.
The heartbreaking case of this 3-year-old girl highlights the severe consequences of abuse by those entrusted with her care.
Jamie and Raymond Johnson face grave charges for their alleged actions, and the investigation continues to shed light on the cruel treatment the child endured in the months leading up to her death.
