Local News
Lewisburg couple get probation in death of wife’s elderly sister
LEWISBURG — A Lewisburg man and his wife received probation rising from their misdemeanor plea to neglect of the woman’s 81-year-old sister, who was found dead in the defendants’ home and had maggots eating away at her flesh.
Both Jean King Johnson, 78, and husband Robert H. “Jake” Johnson, 81, remained silent during separate hearings Monday when Circuit Judge Joseph P. Pomponio sentenced them to one year at Southern Regional Jail. Pomponio immediately suspended both sentences and placed the defendants on one year of probation.
According to court documents, the body of Francis Hanna King was found in the Johnsons’ home on Sept. 17, 2007. An autopsy found that her body had severe bed sores and she was in a diaper full of urine and feces. An infestation of maggots was also present.
Police were notified by a funeral home director who had been contacted by the Johnsons concerning King’s death.
The Johnsons were indicted in February 2008 on felony charges of neglect of an incapacitated or elder person. Jean Johnson was also charged with the misdemeanor offense of intimidation and retaliation against a public official or employee.
Felony charges against the couple were dismissed after they pleaded guilty to the lesser misdemeanor offense of neglect of an incapacitated or elder person. Assistant prosecutor Jennifer Dent, who appeared for the state during sentencing, declined comment, stating the case had been handled by former prosecutor Kevin Hanson. Hanson could not be reached for comment.
A state medical examiner’s report ruled the death as a homicide.
“The circumstances surrounding the death as well as the investigation and postmortem findings underscore severe caretaker neglect of the decedent, who reportedly suffered from dementia and required assistance with all daily actives, including ambulation, feeding and basic personal care,” state chief deputy medical examiner Dr. Zia Sabet wrote. “Given the evident caretaker failure to provide or arrange for basic personal and medical care of the decedent, culminating in unattended prolonged immobilization, very poor personal hygiene, emaciation, as well as severe infection and maggot infestation of bed sores, altogether contributory to the demise, the manner of death is ruled as homicide.”
Jake Johnson’s lawyer, E. Lavoyd Morgan Jr., called the situation “sad” and said his client’s age contributed to the lack of care given to King.
— E-mail: cgiggenbach@register-herald.com
- Local News
-
-
Division of Forestry offers tips for safer debris burning
Winter storms downed numerous trees throughout West Virginia, and as the weather warms, landowners will want to clear that debris from their property. In most cases, they will choose to burn it.
-
Service set for firefighter swept away in floodwater
Services are planned next week for a Kanawha County firefighter who was swept away while attempting a water rescue in Raleigh County.
-
Lawmakers pass $11.6 billion budget
West Virginia state government is poised to spend $11.6 billion during next budget year, after the Legislature sent Gov. Joe Manchin a compromise spending plan Saturday.
- Calendar — Sunday, March 21, 2010
-
A somber day
Search and rescue crews have recovered the body of a Kanawha County firefighter who was swept into floodwaters March 13 during a swift water rescue mission in Beaver.
-
SCHOOL CLOSINGS and DELAYS
Click HERE to go to the West Virginia Department of Education with up-to-date school closings and delays by county.
-
Lawmakers to vote on budget
West Virginia’s Senate and House of Delegates are ready to vote on a new, $11.6 billion spending plan that slightly reduces state government’s reliance on general tax revenues.
-
Search for suspect in shooting of an Oak Hill officer ongoing
The search for the suspect involved in the Thursday morning shooting of an Oak Hill Police officer remains ongoing.
- Additional warrants issued in home invasion
-
Rahall mulls health care vote
With a decision looming Sunday, U.S. Reps. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., and Rick Boucher, D-Va., said they both are still undecided on the $940 billion health care overhaul bill.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Division of Forestry offers tips for safer debris burning
