SPOKANE, Wash. — Fifteen months after allegedly committing murder and willful cruelty of a child, a couple from California was arrested in Spokane. They went before a judge last week, and will be extradited back to Sutter County which is just north of Sacramento.
The Sherriff’s Office there released new details of their alleged crimes Monday morning. A spokesperson says in January 2025, deputies were dispatched to the 9000 block of Rachel Street in Live Oak, CA for a medical aid call. It was reported that a 14-year-old developmentally disabled juvenile was unresponsive. First responders tried to revive the teen, but they were pronounced dead at the scene.
Over the course of the investigation, Sutter County Sheriff’s detectives determined the juvenile required round-the-clock care and was only able to receive nutrition through a feeding tube. The cause of death was determined to be starvation and neglect, with the manner of death ruled a homicide.
The suspects, Megan Fredrick, 33, and Sherwood Johnson II, 37, both from Live Oak, were identified as the victim’s primary caregivers. A warrant was issued for their arrests.
Sutter County determined the two had relocated to Spokane County. So they worked with the Spokane County Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement & Narcotics (RAVEN) Task Force, and both were arrested last week.
They are currently being held at the Spokane County Jail pending extradition to Sutter County, which should happen today.
“The death of a child is always tragic, and our hearts go out to the young victim in this case,” said Sutter County Sheriff Brandon Barnes. “Our staff assigned to Live Oak handled this case with professionalism and compassion. I am glad to see those responsible are in custody and will be held to answer on these charges.”
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