Babysitter Gets Life for Brutal Baby Death

Jennifer Johnson, 49, has received a life sentence for the second-degree murder of 8-month-old Hannah Kent, whom she was babysitting in April 2021. A Boone County jury convicted Johnson in January, concluding a trial that highlighted the brutal circumstances of Hannah's death. Prosecutors presented evidence that Johnson burped Hannah aggressively, causing bruising and brain injuries consistent with trauma.

Further investigation revealed inconsistencies in Johnson's account of the night. She initially claimed to have slept, unaware of the baby's death until the following morning. However, phone records indicated she was texting throughout the night and inquiring about drugs. Evidence also included a onesie belonging to Hannah found wet in a pantry, with baby formula on Johnson's clothing testing positive for blood.

Hannah's mother discovered her unresponsive and rushed her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. At Johnson's sentencing on February 23, the mother expressed profound grief and betrayal. Johnson also received a 30-year sentence for first-degree child endangerment, adding to the consequence for the tragic loss of the infant's life.