A Florida woman was charged with murder over the deadly neglect of a toddler who died last month, authorities in Hillsborough County said.
Rebecca Louise Gussage-Johnston, 24, was initially charged with aggravated child abuse resulting in great bodily harm and child neglect in connection to the May 19 death of a toddler in her care.
The woman admitted to “punishing” the victim hours before their death for “acting out” including confining the child to a chair “for an extended period without receiving any care or attention.”
Even after realizing that the toddler was in distress, Gussage-Johsnton allegedly waited almost 24 hours before a relative called 911.
“It was a concerned family member of the victim who eventually reached out to 911 for help,” the HCSO said.
The coroner's office ruled the toddler's death a “homicide due to severe neglect” and subsequently, authorities charged the suspect with first-degree murder while in engaged in aggravated child abuse.
“The HCSO has unrelenting fervor in our pursuit of justice for innocent children hurt by criminals,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
“It is truly heart-wrenching to witness such senseless and preventable acts of violence targeting our youth.”
“The tenacity of our detectives has allowed us to ensure this woman faces the consequences of her disgusting actions.”
