TAMPA, Fla. (WPEC) — A woman was arrested after a two-year-old in her care died from severe neglect, according to the medical examiner's office.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) said deputies responded to an emergency call in Tampa after dispatch told deputies there was a child in distress.
When deputies arrived at the scene, the toddler was located but later pronounced dead.
When conducting the initial investigation, it was discovered that the child had sustained injuries to several parts of its body. The 24-year-old Rebecca Louise Gussage-Johnston was the child's caretaker. When deputies interviewed her, she admitted to subjecting the child to punishment the day prior, allegedly for "acting out."
Investigators said the child was confined to a chair for an extended period without receiving any care or attention from Gussage-Johnston. Even though Gussage-Johnston had a working cell phone, she failed to seek medical assistance for nearly 24 hours. It was a concerned family member of the victim who eventually reached out to 911 for help.
The sheriff's office said Gussage-Johnston was arrested on May 19 for aggravated child abuse resulting in great bodily harm and child neglect. After consultation with the medical examiner's office, the manner of death was determined to be a homicide due to severe neglect.
In the latest update, investigators said on June 15, Gussage-Johnston is now facing additional charges of murder in the first -degree while engaged in aggravated child abuse. Detectives said the charges reflect the seriousness and gravity of this horrific crime. She remains in custody for her original charges.
"The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has unrelenting fervor in our pursuit of justice for innocent children hurt by criminals," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "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."
The investigation remains ongoing. HCSO urges anyone with additional information about this case to contact us at 813-247-8200.
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