Caregivers Arrested in Homicide Investigation 

April 21, 2026 – Sutter County Sheriff’s Office officials report that in January 2025, Sutter County Sheriff’s Deputies and medical personnel were dispatched to the 9000 block of Rachel Street in Live Oak for a medical aid call. It was reported that a 14-year-old developmentally disabled female juvenile was unresponsive. Life-saving measures were attempted; however, the juvenile was ultimately pronounced deceased. Due to the suspicious nature of the circumstances, detectives responded to investigate.

Over the course of the investigation, it was determined the juvenile required round-the-clock care and was only able to receive nutrition through a feeding tube. Based on the findings of detectives and the coroner report, the cause of death was determined to be starvation and neglect, with the manner of death ruled a homicide.

The suspects, Megan Fredrick, 33, of Live Oak, and Sherwood Johnson II, 37, of Live Oak, were identified as the victim’s primary caregivers. Based on the investigation, arrest warrants were obtained for both individuals.

The suspects had since relocated out of state. With the assistance of the Spokane County Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement & Narcotics (RAVEN) Task Force, both were apprehended on their outstanding warrants. They are currently being held at the Spokane County Jail pending extradition to Sutter County.

“The death of a child is always tragic, and our hearts go out to the young victim in this case,” said Sheriff Brandon Barnes. “Our staff assigned to Live Oak handled this case with professionalism and compassion. I am glad to see those responsible are in custody and will be held to answer on these charges.”

Sutter County Sheriff’s Detectives are currently in transit to Spokane, Washington, and both suspects are expected to be returned to Sutter County by the end of today. Both Fredrick and Johnson are facing charges of murder and child abuse causing death.

Source: Sutter County Sheriff’s Office