For the best experienceDownload the Mobile App
App Store Play Store
Judge denies motions filed by defense attorneys in drowning death case of 8-year-old boy
Judge denies motions filed by defense attorneys in drowning death case of 8-year-old boy
Judge denies motions filed by defense attorneys in drowning death case of 8-year-old boy

Published on: 11/06/2026

Description

MOULTRIE, Ga. (WALB) — A judge has denied several motions filed by attorneys of two people accused of murder and other charges in connection of the death of an 8-year-old.

Dalton Johnson and Julie Hurst both face murder and cruelty to children charges in connection to the death of Hurst’s son.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mother, boyfriend indicted in 8-year-old’s bathtub drowning death <<

Johnson faces the following charges:

  • Murder in the Second Degree
  • Cruelty to children in The Second Degree (two counts)
Jessie Dalton Hurst and Julie Shaylin Hurst were arrested in connection to the drowning death...
Jessie Dalton Hurst and Julie Shaylin Hurst were arrested in connection to the drowning death of an 8-yar-old in Colquitt County.(Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office)

Hurst faces the following charges:

  • Murder in the Second Degree
  • Cruelty to children in The Second Degree (three counts)

According to the district attorney’s office, attorneys of the two filed motions attempting to get count one, murder in the second degree, dismissed.

Johnson’s attorneys also filed a motion attempting to get one of his cruelty to children to charges dismissed as well. His attorneys argued that he had no duty to report the abuse that was happening to the child, as he is not a mandated reporter.

The court denied both motions.

According to the indictment, Hurst and Johnson allegedly left the child in a bathtub resulting in him losing oxygen in his brain.

The mother is also being charged for allegedly fracturing the child’s ribs and striking him in the face on two separate occasions.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X. For more south Georgia news, download the WALB News app and add WALB as a preferred source on Google.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.

News Source : https://www.walb.com/2026/11/06/judge-denies-motions-filed-by-defense-attorneys-drowning-death-case-8-year-old-boy/

Other Related News

11/06/2026

ATLANTA Ga Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon said Republicans are feeling wav...

11/06/2026

ATLANTA Ga Atlanta News First A day after destructive flooding hit McCaysville in far nor...

11/06/2026

WASHINGTON AP A federal judge late Thursday blocked the Trump administration from breakin...

11/06/2026

ALBANY Ga WALB Morning fog and few showers east make way for a drop in the humidity and s...

11/06/2026

ASHBURN Ga WALB Tray King completed 10 of his 12 passes for 126 yards and 3 touchdowns in...

ShoutoutGive Shoutout
500/500