PAWNEE, OK – Authorities arrested a couple in Oklahoma after their 1-year-old daughter died following exposure to methadone, highlighting severe neglect issues within their home.
Christopher Paul Johnson, 39, and Kourtany Johnson, 31, were apprehended on March 3 after reporting their daughter unresponsive. The Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that officers found the child along with a 3-year-old sibling under distressing conditions. An affidavit described the children’s environment as squalid, noting food, glitter, and animal hair covering the 3-year-old.
The situation unfolded when officers discovered that the parents’ timeline concerning their daughter’s condition was misleading. Medical evaluation revealed the child had been deceased for approximately 18 hours before authorities arrived.
Events took a tragic turn a day earlier when Christopher Johnson allegedly uncapped a methadone bottle near his daughter. He reportedly admitted to leaving the bottle unattended, eventually finding the substance spilled over the child and surmised possible ingestion. Despite initial concerns, he underestimated the potential harm and advised his wife to seek medical help.
Kourtany Johnson allegedly declined to get medical attention for fear of losing custody of her children. The couple purportedly decided to put their daughter to bed, where she was later found unresponsive.
Authorities inspecting the residence noted significant neglect, compounded by unsanitary conditions, including flies, roaches, maggots, and unsafe prescription bottles left accessible. These factors painted a grim picture of the children’s living environment.
Official reports confirm the child’s death may have occurred midday on March 2. The Johnsons now face charges of first-degree murder and child neglect, with both remaining held in Pawnee County Jail.
The couple is slated to appear in court later this month as community members await further developments in this harrowing case. The incident poignantly underscores the critical necessity of cautious parenting and safe household practices.