Parents Charged with Capital Murder of Daughter

Leon Johnson, 22, and Destiny Avila, 23, have been charged with capital murder following the death of their 9-month-old daughter, Maliyah Johnson, who was found malnourished and unresponsive at their home in Mesquite. Emergency responders pronounced Maliyah dead upon arrival, noting her extreme malnourishment. Johnson initially reported that the infant had not been eating for days and he was supplementing her with Pedialyte, expressing concerns about potential overdose. Investigations revealed both parents’ neglect contributed to the child's starvation and death, despite them sharing custody. Johnson is currently held on a $1 million bond, while Avila's bond status remains unclear. The case highlights serious issues of parental responsibility and child welfare.