Washington Mother Charged After Disabled Daughter Found Dead in Bathtub

A Washington state mother has been accused of leaving her disabled daughter alone at home, where the eight-year-old was later found dead in an overflowing bathtub. Travionna Christine Johnson, 23, faces two felony charges in connection with the death of her non-verbal daughter, identified in police reports as KJJ.

According to court documents, Johnson allegedly left her daughter unattended at their Spokane apartment on Sunday morning while she went to work. Neighbors reported water leaking from the upstairs unit, prompting the Spokane Fire Department to respond. Firefighters found the child floating face-up in the bathtub.

Paramedics performed life-saving measures before transporting the girl to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor Samantha Wright described the incident as a "serious, violent crime."

Johnson admitted that her daughter, who had the developmental level of a toddler, should not have been left alone. She stated that she typically arranged for her sister to care for the child but offered no clear explanation when asked why she deviated from this routine. In a written statement to detectives, Johnson expressed remorse, calling herself "heartbroken and dumb" and stating she would "never be at peace" with her decision.

Johnson appeared in Spokane County Superior Court on Monday, facing charges of first- and second-degree manslaughter and abandonment of a dependent person. Her bail was set at $500,000. Her family members described her as an "excellent mother" who needs mental health treatment and pleaded for leniency, citing deep-seated mental health issues within their family.

Investigators learned that the child had epilepsy and developmental delays, requiring constant supervision and assistance with daily functions. A licensed home care aide who visited the home the day before the incident noted that the girl needed help with balance, gait, hygiene, and eating, and required supervision at all times. The aide also reported the child's fascination with running water, which could lead her to wander into the bathroom.

Johnson allegedly admitted that she knew her text message to her sister, intended to arrange childcare, had not been received because her phone was Wi-Fi only and lacked service. She reportedly became defensive when questioned about leaving her daughter alone, stating she had already answered the question. Johnson also mentioned struggling to find in-home care for her daughter after her allotted monthly hours were reduced.

The home care aide also reported concerning conditions inside the apartment, describing it as filthy, lacking furniture, and strewn with soiled underwear, prompting a report to Child Protective Services.

Johnson's mother told the court that her daughter is a young, single mother working two jobs and has been overwhelmed. Johnson is due back in court for her arraignment on Thursday.