by View Park, CA – The tragic death of a 1-year-old child found unresponsive in a vehicle has shaken the View Park community near South Los Angeles. The father, Edwin Johnson, has been held on $2 million bail following the heartbreaking incident that occurred on Tuesday afternoon.
The child, later identified as Maeve Blankeley-Johnson, was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency responders. Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances around this devastating case.
Details Surrounding the Incident
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Marina del Rey Station responded at approximately 3:10 p.m. on Tuesday to a report of a child not breathing in the 300 block of Chanson Drive, located north of Slauson Avenue and east of Crenshaw Boulevard.
Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel arrived alongside deputies and pronounced the child deceased at the scene. The medical examiner identified the child as Maeve Blankeley-Johnson, but no immediate cause of death was provided.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Edwin Johnson, 40, who resides in View Park, was first taken into custody on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and child neglect. After posting a bond of $25,000, he was briefly released.
However, new developments led to Johnson’s re-arrest early Wednesday morning on suspicion of murder. He is currently being held at the Marina del Rey Station on bail set at $2 million.
“As of Thursday afternoon, no formal criminal charges have been filed against Johnson,” stated a representative from the District Attorney’s Office, highlighting discrepancies between Sheriff’s Department reports and the DA’s position.
Concerns Over Hot Car Deaths and Ongoing Investigations
While officials have not confirmed if the child was left in a hot vehicle, safety advocates point to alarming trends. The group Kids and Car Safety reports Maeve’s death as the 29th hot car-related fatality in the U.S. and the fifth in California in 2025.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau, detectives from Marina del Rey Station, and the medical examiner’s office continue to collaborate on the investigation of Maeve’s death.
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- Incident occurred in the unincorporated View Park near South Los Angeles.
- Child pronounced deceased at scene on Tuesday at approximately 3:10 p.m.
- Father, Edwin Johnson, initially arrested for involuntary manslaughter and child neglect.
- Father later re-arrested on suspicion of murder and held on $2 million bail.
- Doe cause of death has not been publicly released.
- Community urged to provide information to the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
For more detailed background information, you can visit the full story at Daily News.
Reflecting on a Tragic Event
This heartbreaking incident underscores the persistent dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles and highlights the critical need for increased awareness and preventive measures across communities.
What do you think about this tragedy? Have you taken steps to ensure child safety in vehicles? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
