On July 14, 2009, 12-year-old African American male Kevin Johnson died in Crete, Illinois, under circumstances that led to a criminal investigation. Kevin, who had a mental disability, was living in the home of his foster father, Fred D. Johnson II. Following Kevin's death, Fred Johnson was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery of a child, unlawful restraint, and criminal neglect of a person with a disability. The charges alleged that between July 15 and July 18, Fred Johnson struck Kevin about the head and body, causing his death. Additionally, it was alleged that Fred Johnson tied Kevin to a bed frame with straps and failed to provide necessary medical attention to another minor with a mental disability in his care.
At the time of his death, Kevin was residing in Fred Johnson's home along with his four brothers and four other minors who were part of a blended family. Following the incident, all the other minor children were transferred to and remained in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services. Fred Johnson was arrested without incident by investigators from the Will County State's Attorney's Office. The arrest was the culmination of a 10-month investigation into Kevin's death, which included meticulous review of statements and evidence.
Fred Johnson was scheduled to appear in court at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet. The State's Attorney emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the thoroughness of the investigation leading up to the arrest. The case highlighted concerns about the welfare of children in foster care and the responsibilities of caregivers entrusted with their well-being.
