A woman is set to be arraigned Monday on murder and assault charges stemming from her 3-month-old son’s death last month, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday.
Jalyn Simone SmithJermott, 21, is set to appear in a San Fernando courtroom in connection with one count each of murder and assault on a child causing death.
The infant’s father, Eric Shannon Johnson, 35, has already pleaded not guilty to a felony count of child abuse. He is due back in a San Fernando courtroom Tuesday.
The baby — identified by ABC7 as Shannon Johnson — was found not breathing in his bassinet in Porter Ranch and was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
The cause of the baby’s death has been deferred, according to records from the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office.
SmithJermott and Johnson were arrested Oct. 3 by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division, jail records show.
SmithJermott remains jailed in lieu of $2 million bail, while Johnson has been released from custody, according to the records.
“My heart goes out to the victim, who suffered unimaginable pain at the hands of those who were meant to provide love, safety, and protection,” District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. “Children, especially babies, depend on their parents and loved ones for care and nurturing. It is a profound betrayal when that trust is shattered.”
SmithJermott faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison if convicted as charged, while Johnson faces up to six years in prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office.