Grandmother Beats 3-Year-Old Granddaughter, Watches Her Die After Placing Her on Bed

September 6, 2024 Gloria Shaw

A grandmother from Pennsylvania is now in jail after authorities say she brutally beat her 3-year-old granddaughter in a vicious, drawn-out attack that eventually led to the child’s slow, agonizing death over Labor Day weekend.

56-year-old Denise Johnson faces charges of first-degree criminal homicide, aggravated assault, child endangerment, corpse abuse and corruption of minors, according to a criminal complaint and affidavit.

The horrific incident unfolded as Johnson allegedly unleashed violence on her granddaughter, Ayla Lyric-Ann Miller, for “not listening.”

The brutal attack was witnessed by another grandchild, who police say was coerced into fetching one of the “implements” used to beat the toddler. Ayla’s injuries were catastrophic—bruises and wounds covered her small body.

The little girl had been left with bruises along her face, near her ear, on her chest, arms and legs. An infected wound festered on her ankle, and a cigarette burn marked her skin. By the time she was found on September 1, cold and unresponsive in her bed, it was too late.

Ayla’s uncle was the one to call 911, but by then, the damage had been done. Blood stained her bedding as she lay lifeless in her grandmother’s apartment. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Ayla had been living with her grandmother due to family struggles.

According to police, Johnson’s sister reported a confession made by Denise during a tearful phone conversation. Johnson admitted that two days prior, she had punched Ayla in the face, causing her to fall backward into a coffee table, striking her head with force. Rather than seeking help, Johnson left the girl in bed for days, watching as her condition deteriorated until she succumbed to her injuries.

In her frantic messages to police, Johnson expressed regret and fear, saying, “I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to hurt her… I beat her for not listening, and she fell so hard.”

She described the tragic moment when Ayla fell unconscious, detailing her helplessness as the child’s condition worsened. Yet, despite knowing the gravity of the situation, Johnson hesitated to call for help, paralyzed by “fear and guilt.”

Meanwhile, the other grandchild provided chilling details to investigators. They recalled how Johnson used a large wooden stick to mercilessly beat Ayla, leaving her unable to move. As the violence escalated, Johnson demanded a belt from the child, continuing the assault until Ayla could take no more.

Ayla’s death has left a community grieving for the little girl who loved Cocomelon and Minnie Mouse, her bright smile was once a beacon of joy to those around her. A GoFundMe has been established to help cover her funeral costs, with family and friends mourning the senseless loss of a young life cut tragically short.

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Denise Johnson remains in custody, held without bail, awaiting her next court appearance on September 13. As the case moves forward, the horrors of what happened to Ayla will be etched in the minds of those left to grapple with the incomprehensible act of violence.