PITTSBURGH — A Pennsylvania woman is in custody after police say she fatally beat her 3-year-old granddaughter over the Labor Day weekend. Denise Johnson, 56, is facing charges of first-degree homicide, aggravated assault, and multiple counts of child endangerment and abuse.
According to an affidavit, Johnson brutally assaulted her granddaughter, identified as Ayla, for “not listening,” leaving the child with extensive injuries. Ayla was found dead on Sunday, September 1, at the Allegheny Commons apartments in Pittsburgh. Police reports indicate that the abuse spanned two days before the child succumbed to her injuries.
The child’s body showed signs of severe trauma, with significant bruising on the left side of her face, near her cheekbone and ear. Additional bruises were found on her torso, arms, and legs, with a cigarette burn noted on her left ankle.
Johnson has been charged with homicide and is being held as the investigation continues.
