Man Receives Additional 50 Years to His Life Sentence for Child Abuse and Murder Case

Shelby County, TN—Today, Alan Johnson received an additional 50 years to his life sentence for the tragic death of a 2-year-old boy in October 2018.

The child victim was entrusted to Johnson's care while his mother was at work. Within two hours of being picked up from daycare, the victim was rushed to LeBonheur Children's Hospital in cardiac arrest. Medical examinations revealed disturbing and severe injuries, including abdominal trauma, multiple broken ribs in various stages of healing, a skull fracture, and subdural hemorrhage on both sides of his head. The medical examiner confirmed at least three distinct points of impact.

Johnson's defense contended that the injuries occurred while playfully tossing the child into the air and catching him awkwardly. However, the medical evidence presented during the trial strongly contradicted this narrative.

Further investigations revealed discrepancies in Johnson's account. Despite his claims that the victim never entered his "mancave," a shed used by Johnson as his personal space, evidence, including the child's daycare shoe, was found inside. Additionally, a bloody diaper with the child’s blood was discovered in the house, suggesting prolonged injuries before paramedics were called.

In light of the severity of the crimes committed, Johnson automatically received a life sentence for Murder in Perpetration of Aggravated Child Abuse and Murder in Perpetration of Aggravated Child Neglect, in January. Today, he was sentenced for the remaining charges of Aggravated Child Abuse and Aggravated Child Neglect, in which he received 25 years each—both to be served at 100 percent. The new sentences will run consecutive with the other, along with the previous Murder sentence—resulting in a total of Life plus 50 years for Johnson.

Special Victims Unit Chief Prosecutor Eric Christensen and SVU Prosecutor Dru Carpenter handled the case.