Florida mom accused of killing baby searched ‘How to sign away parental rights’: LCSO

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. - After a months-long investigation, deputies have arrested a Florida woman they say killed her baby.

Lee County deputies were called to a home in Lehigh Acres in September for reports of a four-month-old baby who began choking and became unresponsive.

The infant was taken to an area hospital where it was pronounced dead.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, a preliminary examination on the child showed ‘cruel injuries’, including a femur and multiple rib fractures, large areas of bruising, and severe abdominal bloating.

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The medical examiner's office determined the cause of death to be abusive head trauma and the manner of death was ruled homicide.,

Detectives served multiple search warrants on 32-year-old Johnisha Cole's apartment and electronics.

Courtesy: Lee County Sheriff's Office

According to detectives, a review of Cole's phone revealed several concerning internet searches and text messages.

Searches included "How long do you have to make a police report?" and "How to sign away parental rights?"

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Cole also texted the witnesses eluding to wanting the child dead and shaking the infant, according to LCSO.

Detectives say Cole never had explanations for the infant's injuries.

Cole was arrested on Dec. 13 and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child and aggravated child abuse.

"This case is cruel and this infant endured deadly abuse from its mother her entire life. My heart breaks for this child, but my detectives dedicated themselves to bringing her justice by digging for evidence and making an arrest." said Sheriff Carmine Marceno. "I know my detectives will continue to work with the State Attorney's Office to secure a conviction."

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