Watch CBS News

Parents Of Toddler Who Drowned In Neighbor's Pool Charged With Murder, Child Abuse

DEARBORN (WWJ) - The parents of a 2-year-old Dearborn girl who drowned in a swimming pool are behind bars on criminal charges.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's office said James Johnson III and Amber Johnson are charged with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse.

The parents, who were said to have been asleep asleep when the incident happened, were each ordered held on a $1 million bond at an arraignment Friday before Judge Sam Salamey.

parents charged
Amber Johnson, left, and James Johnson III. (Booking photos)

The toddler died earlier this month after climbing over a fence and falling into a pool in the 2600 block of Boldt.

According to police, the girl and her 3-year brother exited their home around 10:25 p.m. on Friday, June 3 while their parents were reportedly sleeping.

The children both managed to climb a chain link fence, which allowed them access to the neighbor's yard. The girl was able to climb the pool ladder and fell into the pool. The boy never went into the water.

Police say the homeowner looked out her window and saw the child in her pool, immediately pulled her from the water and began administering CPR. The girl later died at the hospital.

In detailing the charges, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worth said: "The alleged actions and inactions of the defendants in this case defy common sense. Once again we are left with a child whose death was completely preventable."

The Johnsons will be back in court for a probable cause hearing on June 24 followed by a preliminary examination on July 1.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.