A 24-year-old mother from Florida is now facing capital felony charges after allegedly subjecting her 2-year-old son to cruel punishment. Rebecca Louise Gussage-Johnston stands accused of unlawfully restraining her son in a booster seat overnight and leaving him confined for approximately fifteen hours. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office announced the upgraded charges on Thursday, June 15, nearly a month after her initial arrest on lesser charges.
The criminal information, filed on June 6, stated that Gussage-Johnston was charged with aggravated child abuse and child neglect with great bodily harm. The charges allege that she willfully and maliciously punished her son, causing significant physical harm and potential long-term effects between May 18 and May 19, 2023.
The authorities responded to a distress call made by a concerned relative on the night of May 19 at a Tampa-area residence described as a mobile RV parked in a truck lot. Tragically, upon arrival, deputies discovered the victim deceased and displaying signs of trauma to the head, a wound on the right thigh, and extensive bruising throughout the body. The child was found covered in dried vomit and feaces
Deputies revealed that Gussage-Johnston watched her son suffer from seizures and witnessed his last breath before he tragically perished in her arms. Following the ruling by the Medical Examiner's Office, which classified the case as a homicide resulting from severe neglect, murder charges were filed.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his dedication to seeking justice for innocent children victimized by such heinous acts of violence. The relentless pursuit of the truth by the detectives involved has ensured that this woman will face the consequences of her abhorrent actions.
The suspect is currently being represented by a public defender, according to court records.
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