HOBBS, NEW MEXICO: Mary Johnson, who was pressed with a second-degree murder charge for the 2022 killing of her 11-year-old son, has now reportedly been given 20 years of prison life.
The sentencing of the killer mother came after she pled guilty to the charge on Thursday, August 31, in relation to the death of Bruce Johnson Jr, PEOPLE reported.
What happened between Mary Johnson and Bruce Johnson Jr?
A statement issued by the Lea County Sheriff's Office last year revealed that Mary was abusive toward her son and violent toward her husband.
The father-son duo moved to Hobbs from Oklahoma to be away from the murderer. But Mary came to see her son after being away for over a month.
However, on July 10, she stabbed her child before injuring herself. Though Mary survived, Bruce could not be saved, but he did identify his mother as his killer before his death at Covenant Hobbs Hospital.
At the time, Mary also revealed to hospital staff, “If I can’t have him, no one can,” while referring to Bruce.
District Attorney Diana Luce told the Hobbs News-Sun, “Such a tragic event when anyone, especially, a young person dies untimely and at the hands of a parent.”
“These types of cases are never easy. We can only hope to provide some sense of closure and justice to the family,” Luce stated.
She also added, “We extend our gratitude to our Law Enforcement partners on this case specifically the Lea County Sheriff’s Office for a job well done.”
People express grief over Bruce Johnson Jr’s death
A number of people commented below Lea County Sheriff's Office’s Facebook statement with a user saying, “What makes this so Aggravating is all the signs where there. This never should have happened. It never should have even gotten close to happening.”
Another user shared, “God bless this young man. He's not afraid anymore because Jesus has his hands.”
The third one commented, “This is absolutely heartbreaking. I cannot imagine the feelings of overwhelming guilt, regret, grief, and sadness this father must be feeling. Ugh.”
The fourth user added, “Rest easy, sweet boy child. Thoughts, love, and condolences are sent your way. Although these earthly things don’t matter now. You’re on high sitting with Christ. What a joy that would be! Soak in all the love our Father God and his son Jesus bestows on you. Go rest high on your mountain! You’ll feel the love and the purpose for your new heavenly home.”
