Authorities report that a couple in foster care is facing serious allegations after their 3-year-old daughter, who had special needs, tragically died. The investigation reveals a history of abuse, with claims that the child was subjected to violence due to her crying and taking an extended time to eat.
In a shocking case from Stanley, North Dakota, Jamie Johnson, 44, and Raymond Johnson, 62, are accused of inflicting severe physical punishments on a 3-year-old foster child, who has since passed away. Reports indicate that the couple allegedly used closed-fist punches, kicks, hair pulls, and other forms of violence, believing the child to be autistic, according to information from the Stanley Police Department.
A recent affidavit reveals that the girl, placed in the Johnsons’ care for only a few months, faced abuse as a form of punishment for minor “infractions” like crying and taking too long to chew her food.
The foster mother frequently erupted in anger over the eating habits of the 3-year-old child. A report revealed that one of the Johnsons’ other foster children informed authorities that the girl faced consequences for “leaving food in her mouth.”
“It’s not easy, I get pretty crabby sometimes and then I feel like s–t for it,” Jamie allegedly told a friend via text message.
“Honestly, if I knew how she was I might not have taken her,” she added in reference to the child whom she called a “total brat” in another message.
In additional statements, Jamie conveyed the view that the girl was “special needs” and potentially “autistic,” according to the report.
In March, the Johnsons took the unresponsive girl to the hospital, claiming she had fallen down a flight of stairs in the days leading up to the incident, according to reports.
Investigators were informed by the foster mother that the girl often “self-inflicted” injuries as a result of her learning disability. However, shocking accounts from the couple’s other foster children, along with home security footage, uncovered the disturbing truth about the Johnsons’ household.
Surveillance footage captured inside the residence revealed the abusive foster mother striking the 3-year-old child in the head with a closed fist and violently pulling her by the hair, resulting in the child hitting her head against the floor, a table, and a wall, as detailed in the affidavit.
Disturbing footage revealed that Jamie reportedly subjected the young girl to severe punishments, including striking her with a wooden spoon on her face, stomach, and head, while also covering her mouth as she cried.
A report reveals that during one incident, the girl fought back by biting her abuser’s hand, which resulted in multiple closed-fist punches from her foster mother.
According to statements from other foster children, Johnson inflicted such severe harm on the 3-year-old that the child lost consciousness and required resuscitation with an ice pack.
Jamie’s husband Raymond, often referred to as the “nice one” by the foster children, was accused of inflicting harsh abuse on the 3-year-old. Reports indicate that he allegedly kicked the child and struck her in the head when he disapproved of her actions, as recounted by the children to law enforcement.
Jamie and Raymond Johnson are facing serious allegations, including murder, child abuse, and domestic violence, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 24.
