Woman accused of scalding baby to death

Dec 23 22:08 UTC 2004

Thursday, December 23, 2004 Posted: 7:38 AM EST (1238 GMT) 

ROCHESTER HILLS, Michigan (AP) -- A pregnant woman was charged with killing
her boyfriend's toddler daughter by scalding her in what prosecutors say was
147-degree water, then ignoring her suffering for several hours.

Letitia Ann Johnson, 27, of Orion Township was charged Wednesday with
second-degree murder in the death of 22-month-old Jasmine Phillips. She was
ordered held without bond.

Johnson gave the girl a bath Saturday night in scalding water, then put her
to bed, according to her statements to police. Johnson was aware Jasmine was
in pain, according to prosecutors.

Louie D. Phillips, 26, found his daughter Sunday morning and called 911,
police said. She was pronounced dead at a hospital. The medical examiner ruled
the death a homicide caused by dehydration from extensive third-degree burns.

"There were third-degree burns over 40 percent of her body. And for 15 to 16
hours, she did not receive treatment except some Vaseline and powder," said
prosecutor John Taylor.

Johnson has six children, three by Phillips. They are in state custody.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/12/23/scalding.death.ap

response 2 of 4:

Dec 25 08:15 UTC 2004

I just went through the hoops with a bath thermometer for babies to make sure
our hotwater heater isn't over 125 degrees.  Ever since seeing Rainman, I
can't help stop thinking what a horrifying ordeal it could be to leave
hotwater running with a child near.

response 4 of 4:

Dec 29 17:22 UTC 2004

Now that my son can reach the bathroom faucet to wash his hands its extremely
important.