A Colorado woman is facing manslaughter charges after allegedly allowing her 91-year-old mother, who had suffered a broken hip, to crawl outside into 90-degree heat, where the elderly woman died hours later. Kim Johnston, 59, was arrested following an investigation by the Colorado Springs Police Department into the death of her mother, Son Johnston, who was found unresponsive on a sidewalk near Pikes Peak Avenue and South Circle Drive.
Background
The incident occurred on a Wednesday in July 2025, according to court documents obtained by local ABC affiliate KRDO. Police reports indicate that Kim Johnston admitted to being annoyed with her mother that morning before opening the door and allowing Son Johnston to crawl out into their front yard. The victim was dressed in long sleeves and pants despite the sweltering temperatures.
Johnston claimed she left a bottle of water and an umbrella with her mother, but investigators stated they did not find these items at the scene. Court documents allege that Kim Johnston checked on her mother only once or twice over a period of several hours before finally calling 911. The call was made after Kim Johnston heard her mother scream out for help from the sidewalk.
The Charges
Officers responded to the scene just before 12:30 p.m. and discovered Son Johnston lying unresponsive on the sidewalk. Paramedics arrived and transported the elderly woman to a local hospital, where she was subsequently pronounced dead. During the emergency call, Kim Johnston reportedly told the dispatcher that she believed her mother was dehydrated and passing out, but she characterized the situation as not urgent.
When paramedics arrived, Kim Johnston allegedly told them her mother had fallen a few hours earlier and was lying on rocks in the yard. Prosecutors have charged Kim Johnston with manslaughter and negligent death of an at-risk person. The charges stem from allegations of caretaker neglect, specifically the claim that she left her injured mother on the floor for over six hours following a fall.
Key Takeaways
- Kim Johnston, 59, is charged with manslaughter and negligent death of an at-risk person.
- The victim, Son Johnston, 91, died after being left outside in 90-degree heat with a broken hip.
- Police allege the daughter checked on the victim only once or twice over several hours.
- Kim Johnston is currently being held on a $4,000 bond.
- Investigators did not find the water and umbrella Johnston claimed she left with her mother.
What's Next
Kim Johnston remains in custody while awaiting further court proceedings. The investigation by the Colorado Springs Police Department is ongoing as prosecutors prepare for the next stages of the legal process. The case highlights the severe consequences of alleged caretaker neglect involving vulnerable elderly individuals.
Editorial Analysis
This case serves as a grim reminder of the legal responsibilities associated with caring for at-risk adults. The disparity between the daughter's claim of providing comfort items and the physical evidence found by police underscores the importance of objective investigation in neglect cases.