Prosecutor says couple may have fled the country

Published 10:07 am Wednesday, February 1, 2017

MINNEAPOLIS  — A prosecutor said a Minnesota couple charged in the death of their 7-year-old son may have fled to New Zealand.

Timothy and Sarah Johnson are accused of gross misdemeanor child neglect for failing to get medical help for their adopted son, Seth, who died in March 2015.

The Johnsons didn’t show up at their first court appearance Tuesday in Hennepin County. Assistant Hennepin County Attorney John Halla told Judge Gina Brandt that the couple has moved to New Zealand. Brandt issued warrants for their arrests.

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Criminal complaints said Seth had an inflamed pancreas, possible infections and bruises on his body when he died.

The Johnsons told investigators they relied on their own research to deal with Seth’s illness and didn’t want him on any medication.