Two Fugitive Caregivers Charged With Murder After Disabled Teen, 14, Dies of Starvation and Neglect in California
Caregivers who were on the run after 14-year-old disabled girl died have been arrested.
Two caregivers were arrested in connection with the death of a 14-year-old developmentally disabled girl. The incident unfolded in Northern California, and the caregivers were located and arrested in Washington.
Caregivers Flee After 14-year-old Dies In Their Care
Caregivers face murder and child abuse charges after disabled teen found dead in her home.
The disabled teen was found unresponsive at her home in Live Oak, near Yuba City, on January 2025. Her death was ruled a homicide because of suspicious circumstances. Authorities determined that starvation and neglect played a role in her death.
The caregivers have been identified as Megan Fredrick, 33, and Sherwood Johnson II, 37. They have been charged with murder and child abuse. The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office told The New York Post that Fredrick was the victim’s sister.
After arrest warrants were issued, both suspects fled California. They were arrested in Washington and returned to Sutter County on April 21. The sheriff’s office said they are being held on $750,000 bail each.
Sutter County Sheriff Brandon Barnes told The Post, “The death of a child is always tragic, and our hearts go out to the young victim in this case.” He added, “Our staff assigned to Live Oak handled this case with professionalism and compassion. I am glad to see those responsible are in custody and will be held to answer on these charges.”
The Spokane County Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement & Narcotics Task Force (RAVEN) also assisted with the investigation.
14-year-old Developmentally Disabled Girl Dies Due To Caregivers’ Neglect
The primary caregivers fled after the teen died in January 2025.
The 14-year-old girl died in January 2025. Sutter County deputies and medical personnel responded to a medical aid call in the 9000 block of Rachel Street. Upon arriving, the developmentally disabled teenager was found unresponsive.
Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead. Detectives learned that the juvenile required 24-hour care and needed nutrition through a feeding tube.
After investigators determined she suffered from starvation and neglect, her death was ruled a homicide. Fredrick and Johnson were identified as her primary caregivers and later named as the primary suspects in the case.
Upon their arrest in Washington, the suspects were held in the Spokane County Jail before being extradited to California.
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