A Danville woman has been sentenced to nine years in prison in connection with the death of her infant son. Deborah Johnson pleaded guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter in a plea agreement in which she will be required to serve 50-percent of the sentence. Judge Nancy Fahey also sentenced Johnson to 9 years of Mandatory Supervised Release, previously known as parole, once she is released from the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy says Danville Police were called to 448 Elm Street on January 28th last year for a non-responsive infant. The infant was pronounced dead shortly after police arrived. Upon investigation several over the counter medications and liquid medication dispensers were located in the home.
Lacy says Johnson admitted to police she had administered Benadryl to the child. Additionally, a witness advised police that Johnson would give the infant Benadryl when the infant was being fussy and would sometimes yell at the child.
Autopsy and toxicology results determined the death was caused by Diphehydramine intoxication. Diphehydramine is commonly known as Benadryl. The infant’s blood contained two times the fatal dose of Diphenhydramine according to State’s Attorney Lacy.
‘’Children are one of our most vulnerable populations in our community and even when family members act in a reckless manner, they will be held accountable for their actions,’’ said Lacy.
