MOULTRIE, Ga. (WALB) — A Colquitt County mother and her boyfriend were indicted in connection to the drowning death of the woman’s 8-year-old son.

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

Indictment details

According to the indictment, the two allegedly “...did commit the offense of murder… by leaving the child unattended in the bathtub whereby the child experienced a lack of oxygen to his brain.”

The state is charging the boyfriend, Johnson, with cruelty to children in the second degree for “…refusing to report physical and mental abuse occurring to said child while they lived together.”

For counts four and five, the mother is also being charged with cruelty to children in the second degree for allegedly “…fracturing his ribs by throwing and pushing said child into a countertop,” and “…striking him in the face with her hand.”

After the 911 call, the child was taken to Colquitt Regional Medical Center, then to a hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was pronounced dead.

A full investigation was then launched between the sheriff’s office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). During that time, investigators were in constant contact with people close to the child, school personnel, doctors and the Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS).

Officials said following thorough review of extensive documentation of medical history and care of the 8-year-old, the state is accusing Hurst and Johnson of second degree murder.

Deputies said the accusation is due to an incident that allegedly happened on or about July 8, 2025.

Where it stands now

The case was set to be presented on the most recent trial calendar, but was continued at the request of both parties.

WALB will provide updates as the case continues. Stay with us on-air and online.

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