Mother Who Admits To Being On Facebook When Toddler Died Considers Plea Deal
WELD COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- A woman who admitted to police she was on Facebook when her toddler drowned in the bathtub, is considering an offer from prosecutors to avoid a trial. She may also serve fewer years in prison than if she was convicted by a jury.
Shannon Johnson's preliminary hearing was cancelled on Wednesday. The 34-year-old is considering an offer to reduce the charge against her to criminally negligent child abuse resulting in death.
A conviction on that charge would mean a mandatory 10 to 32 years in prison, compared to the 16 to 48 years Johnson faces if the case goes to trial.
Johnson's son, Joseph, 13 months, drowned at their home in Platteville in Sept. 2010.
Johnson told investigators her son was unusually independent and wanted to be alone, so she was on Facebook in the other room when the toddler's head went under water.
