Left inset: Megan Fredrick (KXTV/YouTube). Right inset: Sherwood Johnson (KXLY/YouTube). Background: The neighborhood in California where Megan Fredrick and Sherwood Johnson were allegedly caring for a developmentally disabled juvenile who they are accused of killing (Google Maps).
Authorities in California have charged a couple with the alleged neglect and starvation of a developmentally disabled teenager who needed continuous medical care, including a feeding tube, leading to her tragic death.
Megan Fredrick, 33, and Sherwood Johnson II, 37, residents of Live Oak, were responsible for the care of the young girl. In early 2025, they reportedly ceased providing her with the essential nutrition and care critical for her survival, according to details shared in a press statement from the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim, aged 14, was entirely dependent on round-the-clock attention and received nourishment exclusively via a feeding tube, the sheriff’s office elaborated.
Investigations by detectives, coupled with the coroner’s report, identified the cause of death as starvation and neglect, officially classifying the incident as a homicide, as outlined in the sheriff’s office release.
In January 2025, sheriff’s deputies along with medical teams were called to a residence on the 9000 block of Rachel Street in Live Oak, where the couple resided, following reports of the girl being found unresponsive.
Although emergency personnel attempted lifesaving interventions, the teenager was ultimately declared dead. Given the suspicious context, detectives were dispatched to conduct a thorough investigation, the sheriff’s office reported.
During the course of the investigation, authorities found evidence that led to arrest warrants being obtained for both Fredrick and Johnson. The couple allegedly fled to Washington state and were located with the assistance of the Spokane County Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement & Narcotics (RAVEN) Task Force, according to a press release sent out by the RAVEN team.
“Johnson and Fredrick were both wanted on a nationwide extradition,” the release says, noting how they were both living in Washington’s Liberty Lake area after relocating from California.
“On April 16, 2026, RAVEN Task Force members conducting surveillance located Fredrick at a residence in the 24000 block of E. Mission Avenue,” the release explains. “They also located Johnson at a business in the 23200 block of E. Appleway Avenue.”
Sutter County sheriff’s detectives were in transit to Spokane, Washington, on Monday to transport Fredrick and Johnson back to California to face charges of murder and child abuse causing death, according to SCSO officials.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
