In Russell Springs, Kentucky, a serious case of child abuse is under investigation, leading to the arrest of two individuals.
Emily McKinney, 27, and Joe Johnson, 30, found themselves in custody after an incident involving a 10-month-old child on March 12. The Kentucky State Police initially received reports of an “unknown stray dog” attacking the child.
The young victim was rushed to Russell County Hospital and later transferred to the University of Kentucky Hospital due to the severity of the injuries.
Despite efforts, Russell County’s first responders could not locate the alleged stray dog.
On March 15, troopers visited a residence on Bluebird Drive to speak with the child’s mother, McKinney, and her boyfriend, Johnson. It was then discovered that the supposed stray dog was actually owned by the couple. According to the police, Johnson concealed the dog’s whereabouts, misleading the first responders into searching for a non-existent stray dog.
McKinney faces charges including first-degree criminal abuse of a child aged 12 or under, endangering the welfare of a minor, and false reporting that led to an emergency response.
Johnson is charged with tampering with physical evidence and false reporting that resulted in an emergency response as well.
Both individuals are now held at the Russell County Detention Center, with the investigation still in progress.