An Alabama caretaker, Jacqueline E. Adams, 58, has been arrested and charged with felony murder and aggravated child abuse after the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy, Ledarius Johnson. The City of Calera Police Department announced the charges following an investigation into the boy’s death in August 2024.
Adams was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service after a detailed investigation involving state and federal law enforcement agencies. Police Chief David Hyche emphasized the importance of protecting society’s most vulnerable members, including children, the elderly, and those with special needs, as they are often defenseless against abuse and harm.
Authorities responded to a call on August 8, 2024, about a medical emergency involving a boy at a home on Ivy Hills Circle. The situation escalated when Ledarius went into cardiac arrest. Emergency responders attempted life-saving procedures, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Doctors found that Ledarius was severely malnourished, weighing just 86 pounds at the time of his death. Circuit Judge Bill Bostick noted in a court order that photos taken after Ledarius’ death revealed a severely underweight and underdeveloped child. Judge Bostick also denied Adams bond, citing the seriousness of the alleged crimes.
Court documents revealed that Ledarius spent most of his final days in the bathroom of the home, as seen on security footage. During this time, he was rarely given food or water and was repeatedly beaten with a skillet. Ledarius’ twin brother and two other children, aged 14 and 16, were also under Adams’ care at the time.
Judge Bostick’s order highlighted the alleged pattern of abuse and neglect by Adams, the delay in seeking medical help for Ledarius, and her efforts to hide evidence. These factors, along with the likelihood of her conviction, played a significant role in the decision to deny her bond.
The case has drawn widespread attention to the need for vigilance in protecting children from abuse and ensuring accountability for those who harm them.
