Spokane Mother Arrested After Daughter Found Dead
A 23-year-old mother faces manslaughter charges after her 8-year-old daughter was found in a bathtub.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Child Care
Police arrested 23-year-old Travionna Johnson following the death of her 8-year-old daughter at their Spokane home on East Baldwin Avenue. First responders discovered the child floating in an overflowing bathtub on Sunday after entering the apartment through a window.
Why it matters
The tragedy has prompted a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child's care, as authorities evaluate the mother's actions leading up to the incident. Johnson faces charges of first and second-degree manslaughter along with abandonment of a dependent person.
A court has set bail at $500,000 for Travionna Johnson as she faces charges of first and second-degree manslaughter and abandonment of a dependent person. The legal process is currently in the initial filing stage.
The players
Travionna Johnson
She is the 23-year-old mother currently in police custody following the death of her daughter.
The details
The 8-year-old child, who was developmentally delayed and had epilepsy, was found unresponsive after her mother had reportedly left the home before 7 a.m. on Sunday. A home care aid had visited the residence for more than three hours on Saturday to provide assistance.
Timeline
A home care aid visited the residence on Saturday.
Travionna Johnson left her home before 7 a.m. on Sunday.
The child was found unresponsive in an overflowing bathtub on Sunday.
Legal Context
This case reflects the strict application of Washington's abandonment of a dependent person statute in scenarios involving the unsupervised care of individuals with medical needs. Local legal standards often prioritize these charges when a guardian leaves a dependent in a vulnerable state.
The incident has heightened community awareness regarding the availability and scheduling of in-home care services for children with developmental needs in Spokane. Residents are currently assessing how local care resources are managed to ensure dependents are not left without supervision.
The takeaway
This case highlights the critical importance of ensuring consistent, round-the-clock supervision for dependents with significant medical and developmental challenges. Families and caregivers are encouraged to review their existing care plans to identify potential gaps in coverage.
Further reading
For more information on family support services, visit Child Care.
