MERCED, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The mother of 8-year-old Sophia Mason, the girl who was found dead in a bathtub in 2022, has been sentenced in Merced County for charges filed in connection with her daughter’s death.
Samantha Johnson was sentenced to voluntary manslaughter, two counts of child abuse, and two enhancements for causing great bodily injury in connection with Mason’s death. On Friday, she was sentenced to 15 years, 8 months in prison, according to the Merced County District Attorney’s Office.
The sentencing follows the dropping of murder charges against Dhante Jackson, who was also charged following the death of Sophia Mason. Jackson was named as Johnson’s boyfriend when Sophia was found dead in 2022.
Mason was found dead in a bathtub a month after her death, in the home where she lived with Johnson and Jackson. The discovery led to a public manhunt for Jackson, who was ultimately arrested in the Bay Area. In October, Jackson was sentenced to three years in prison for accessory to murder and released for time served.
In a statement, the Merced County District Attorney acknowledged the “significant public attention and community concern” since Mason was found dead.
“We recognize the deep anger and grief this case has generated. Our office shares in that sorrow. Throughout this process, our responsibility has been to pursue justice guided by the evidence, the law, and our ethical obligations,” said DA Nicole Silveira.
