Year after Northern CA teen starves to death, authorities arrest caregivers in WA
The primary caregivers of a 14-year-old girl who died from starvation and neglect in Live Oak more than a year ago were arrested in Washington on murder and child abuse charges, according to the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities on Friday arrested Megan Frederick, 33, and Sherwood Johnson II, 37, on suspicion of murder and child abuse causing death, a sheriff’s office spokesperson said.
The 14-year-old victim was found unresponsive at her Live Oak home in January 2025 and pronounced dead after unsuccessful life-saving measures.
Detectives learned that the girl, who had a developmental disability and required full-time care, relied on a feeding tube for nutrition. The Sutter County Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide, with a cause of starvation and neglect.
“The death of a child is always tragic, and our hearts go out to the young victim in this case,” Sheriff Brandon Barnes said in a news release. “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.”
Frederick, the victim’s sister, and Johnson left the Live Oak home in the months following the girl’s death, the Sheriff’s Office said, and were located with help from the Spokane County Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement & Narcotics Task Force.
Sheriff’s officials said detectives planned to transport the suspects from Spokane County Jail to the Sutter County Jail by the end of Monday.
