Alabama Woman Charged with Torturing and Killing 13-Year-Old Boy in Her Care

Alabama woman charged with the abuse and death of a 13-year-old boy. (Photo Credit: Shelby County)

A 58-year-old Alabama woman, Jacqueline E. Adams, has been accused of subjecting a 13-year-old boy to horrifying abuse that ultimately led to his death. The young victim, Ledarius Johnson, endured starvation, severe physical abuse, and repeated beatings before succumbing to his injuries in August 2024. Adams was arrested last week and now faces charges of felony murder and aggravated child abuse, authorities confirmed.

Newly released court documents reveal further details about Ledarius’ tragic final days. According to reports from Adams’ arrest followed an extensive investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service, with support from multiple state and federal agencies.

On August 8, 2024, authorities were called to a residence on Ivy Hills Circle in response to a medical emergency involving a juvenile male. When first responders arrived, they found Ledarius in cardiac arrest. Despite their efforts to save him, he passed away shortly after being transported to Shelby Baptist Medical Center. At the time of his death, Ledarius weighed just 86 pounds, a clear indication of severe malnourishment.

Photographs taken postmortem revealed the extent of Ledarius’ suffering. “Photographs of (Ledarius) taken after his death depict a severely malnourished and underdeveloped child,” Circuit Judge Bill Bostick noted in a court order denying bond for Adams.

Three other children were also under Adams’ care then, including Ledarius’ twin brother and two others aged 14 and 16.

Security footage obtained during a search of the home provided chilling evidence of the abuse. According to reports, Ledarius spent most of his final days confined to the bathroom floor. He was denied adequate food and water and subjected to repeated beatings, often with a skillet. In one video clip played during Adams’ bond hearing, she reportedly taunts Ledarius, saying she “doesn’t need him,” but he “needs her” because she has the food he requires to survive.

Judge Bostick’s order cited Adams’ pattern of abuse, her efforts to conceal evidence, and the delayed medical response as key factors in denying her bond. “The very nature of these alleged offenses…weigh heavily in this court’s decision regarding pretrial detention,” the order stated.

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for vigilance in protecting society’s most vulnerable members and ensuring justice for those who cannot advocate for themselves.