By David Lohr

advertisement

(Continued)

The following day an autopsy was conducted, at which time the medical examiner confirmed everyone's fears.  Quawee had died as a result of blunt force trauma and long-term physical abuse.  Police then charged Shonna Johnson with murder and Joe Johnson with first-degree child cruelty. 

 

Following the arrests, Bob Merriman, commander of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Violent Crimes Unit spoke with the media about the case.  Merriman would not comment on how long they believe the boy had been tortured; however, he did say that the couple was responsible for Quawee's abuse and death.

"In my 32 years, it's probably the worst I've ever seen," Merriman said.  "This child endured a lot of pain...  Everybody around here is pretty emotional about it, it's a 2-year-old baby."

Child and Family Services Director Charlotte Rehmert was also shocked when she heard about the case.

"It's appalling and horrendous," Rehmert told WTOC, following news of the arrest.  "We have to reach out and teach families to deal with stress in a different way.  What's so difficult is it is so random and so unpredictable."

Savannah-Chatham Police questioned and released Quawee Lee's mother on the night of the Johnsons' arrest.  What if anything they talked about is unknown, and authorities have not said whether she will face criminal charges.

Next Page

Previous Page

Contact  David Lohr at           crimewriter74@hughes.net

For more daily crime news