Child with Disabilities Found Deceased in Spokane; Mother Faces Charges

Birmingham, AL, September 27, 2026 —

A tragedy has unfolded in Spokane, Washington, where an 8-year-old girl with significant disabilities was found deceased in an overflowing bathtub. The incident has led to charges against her mother, 23-year-old Travionna Johnson, who is now facing accusations including manslaughter and abandonment.

Authorities allege that Johnson left the child home alone. According to reports, the young girl required substantial assistance with her daily activities, a need that extended to bathing. The circumstances surrounding the discovery of the child’s death in the bathtub are under investigation by local law enforcement.

The Spokane Police Department has not released further details regarding the exact timeline of events leading up to the discovery or the specific nature of the disabilities the child possessed. The charge of abandonment suggests a period where the child was allegedly left without adequate supervision, a critical concern given her documented need for assistance.

Manslaughter charges indicate that prosecutors believe Johnson’s actions, or inaction, may have directly or indirectly contributed to the child’s death. The investigation is expected to determine the precise cause of death and the extent of Johnson’s alleged responsibility.

As the legal process begins, the community is grappling with the profound loss of a young life and the complex factors involved in caring for children with severe disabilities. The mother’s arraignment and any subsequent court proceedings will likely shed more light on the details of this case. Information regarding the exact cause of death and a timeline of the events remain pending as the investigation continues.

Story summarized from the original created by Kali O’Rourke on www.wbrc.com, see more information here.

Media gallery