A mother from Porter Ranch has been charged with the murder of her three-month-old baby, as announced by Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón on Friday, October 11. Jalyn Simone SmithJermott, 21, faces one count of murder and one felony count of assault on a child causing death. The baby’s father, Eric Shannon Johnson, 35, has also been charged with child abuse.
“My heart goes out to the victim, who suffered unimaginable pain at the hands of those who were meant to provide love, safety, and protection,” Gascón stated in a news release.
The tragic incident occurred on September 10 when the baby was found unresponsive in his bassinet. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death remains under investigation, as indicated by records from the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office.
During Johnson’s arraignment this week, prosecutors revealed that the baby had suffered 3rd-degree burns and had a gash on his head in late August. He was also diagnosed with a subdural hematoma, indicating blood accumulation between the skull and brain, which required urgent medical attention. Prosecutors allege that Johnson failed to seek help for the infant due to fears that the Department of Children and Family Services would blame him for the situation.
“Extreme lack of judgment, to the point of criminal negligence, that Mr. Johnson was willing to not seek medical treatment for a two-week period for his three-month-old son who was suffering from very gruesome looking, as well as severe burns, to a very sensitive portion of the body,” a prosecutor remarked in court.
Johnson has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on October 17. SmithJermott’s arraignment is set for October 14.
If convicted on both charges, SmithJermott faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison, while Johnson could face up to six years.
“Children, especially babies, depend on their parents and loved ones for care and nurturing. It is a profound betrayal when that trust is shattered. I want to assure the community that we will prosecute these offenders to the fullest extent of the law,” Gascón added.
The case is being prosecuted by the DA’s Family Violence Division’s Complex Child Abuse Section.
