Arrests made by Colquitt Co. Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with GBI in death investigation of 8-year-old
COLQUITT Co., Ga. – The Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, working in conjunction with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), has arrested two individuals following an in-depth investigation into the death of an 8-year-old.
In the early morning hours of July 8, 2025, emergency personnel responded to a 911 call reporting a child who had apparently drowned in a bathtub. The child was first transported to Colquitt Regional Medical Center, then later transferred to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was pronounced deceased.
As is standard procedure in all child death cases, a full investigation was immediately launched.
In the days that followed, investigators were in constant contact with his medical care team and local prosecutors to obtain and discuss critical information. Law enforcement conducted numerous interviews with individuals who had been close to the child, as well as paramedics, nurses, doctors, Dept. of Family and Children Services, and school personnel. There was also a thorough review of extensive documentation concerning his history and care, all of which led to charges being filed.
This coordinated and meticulous investigative effort led to the arrests of:
• Julie Shaylin Hurst, charged with Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree
• Jessie Dalton Johnson, charged with Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree and Murder in the Second Degree
Both individuals were taken into custody without incident and are being held at the Colquitt County Jail.
“This case has deeply affected everyone involved,” said Sheriff Rod Howell. “We are grateful for the tireless work of our investigators and the GBI. Through careful examination of the facts, interviews, and historical records, we were able to uncover the truth behind this child’s tragic death and take appropriate legal action.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Further details will not be released at this time in order to preserve the integrity of the case.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Inv. Michael Morris at the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office at 229-616-7430 or the GBI Region 9 Office at 229-225-4090.
Copyright 2025 South Georgia News. All rights reserved.
