Two Arrested, One Charged with Murder, in Death of 8-Year-Old in Colquitt County
COLQUITT COUNTY, GA – The Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), has arrested two individuals following an extensive investigation into the tragic death of an 8-year-old child who reportedly drowned in a bathtub.
In the early morning hours of July 8, 2025, emergency personnel responded to a 911 call concerning a child who had apparently drowned. The child was initially transported to Colquitt Regional Medical Center before being transferred to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was later pronounced deceased.
As is standard procedure in all child death cases, a full investigation was immediately launched. Over the following days, investigators remained in constant contact with the child’s medical care team and local prosecutors. Law enforcement conducted numerous interviews with individuals close to the child, as well as paramedics, nurses, doctors, Department of Family and Children Services personnel, and school staff. A thorough review of extensive documentation concerning the child’s history and care was also conducted, ultimately leading to charges being filed.
This coordinated and meticulous investigative effort resulted in the arrests of:
- Julie Shaylin Hurst, charged with Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree.
- Jessie Dalton Johnson, charged with Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree and Murder in the Second Degree.
Both individuals were taken into custody without incident and are currently being held at the Colquitt County Jail.
“This case has deeply affected everyone involved,” said Sheriff Rod Howell. “We are grateful for the tireless work of our investigators and the GBI. Through careful examination of the facts, interviews, and historical records, we were able to uncover the truth behind this child’s tragic death and take appropriate legal action.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Further details will not be released at this time to preserve the integrity of the case.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Inv. Michael Morris at the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office at 229-616-7430 or the GBI Region 9 Office at 229-225-4090.
