A 24-year-old Florida woman, Rebecca Gussage-Johnston, is facing a first-degree murder charge after her 2-year-old son was found dead, allegedly restrained in a booster seat for approximately 15 hours. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reports that Gussage-Johnston confined her son to the seat as punishment for "acting out." She allegedly admitted to authorities that she strapped the child to a kitchen table booster seat on May 18, 2023. Despite the child's deteriorating condition, the mother reportedly did not seek medical help for almost 24 hours. Gussage-Johnston stated she found her son unresponsive on the floor the next morning, still attached to the booster seat and experiencing seizures.
A family member alerted the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, who found the deceased child in a bassinet, covered by a blanket, inside a mobile RV parked in Thonotosassa, Florida. The child reportedly had head trauma, a leg wound, and bruises. The affidavit notes the presence of vomit and feces. According to the authorities, the child was restrained in the booster seat from the evening of May 18th to approximately mid-morning on May 19th. Gussage-Johnston reportedly confessed to witnessing her son’s seizures and ultimately his death. The medical examiner determined the death a homicide due to severe neglect, leading to the upgraded charge of first-degree murder. Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed the department's commitment to pursuing justice in cases of child abuse. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
