On November 18, 2022, one-year-old De'kari Johnson was found unresponsive at a residence on the 100 block of South Harris Avenue in Columbus, Ohio, while in the custody of his father, 20-year-old David Johnson III. The child was transported to Nationwide Children's Hospital where staff attempted resuscitation, but he was pronounced dead at 5:58 p.m. An autopsy conducted on November 21 determined the cause of death was acute fentanyl intoxication, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. The child's father was subsequently arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter, endangering children, tampering with evidence, and ten counts of drug offenses. Two other individuals, Destiny Strickland and Daviair Porter, were also charged with related felonies including tampering with evidence and obstructing official business.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
The medical examiner report (OH_22_2352.pdf) states the cause of death was "Acute fentanyl intoxication" and that "The decedent ingested an illicit drug while in his father's custody." The news article corroborates this, referring to the "fatal fentanyl overdose of a one-year-old baby."
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
The medical examiner report states "The decedent ingested an illicit drug while in his father's custody," which implies the father failed to appropriately supervise the one-year-old child, allowing access to fentanyl. The father's ten first-degree drug offense charges further suggest illicit drugs were present and accessible in the child's environment due to inadequate supervision.
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
The medical examiner report states "The decedent ingested an illicit drug while in his father's custody." The news article identifies "The infant's father, 20-year-old David Johnson III," who was charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering children, among other charges.
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
The news article states that "The infant's father, 20-year-old David Johnson III, was charged with... One count of involuntary manslaughter (first degree)" and "Johnson III was arrested on Nov. 19, according to court records."
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
The news article states the father, David Johnson III, was charged with "Ten counts of drug offenses (first degree)," and the medical examiner report notes the child "ingested an illicit drug while in his father's custody." Together, these strongly imply the father was engaged in drug-related activity (possession, distribution, or use) that made illicit substances accessible to the child.
Notable Details
The news article reveals that in addition to the father, two other individuals—Destiny Strickland (20) and Daviair Porter (22)—were charged with felonies including tampering with evidence and obstructing official business, suggesting a coordinated effort to conceal evidence after the child's death. Furthermore, the father faced "Ten counts of drug offenses (first degree)," indicating substantial illicit drug activity in the environment where the one-year-old child was being cared for.
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