Police in Grand Junction have arrested a 29-year-old woman on suspicion of killing her 3-year-old niece.
Shanna Gossett is accused in the case of first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, second-degree kidnapping and false imprisonment.
Investigators say Gossett was the legal guardian of Bethannie Johnson, who died of multiple blunt force injuries.
The Mesa County Coroner’s Office has ruled Bethannie’s death a homicide.
Police were called just before 8 a.m. Thursday to the 3000 block of North 14th Street on a report of an unconscious toddler who was not breathing.
“Officers, along with paramedics with the Grand Junction Fire Department, arrived on scene and found the child to be deceased,” police said in a Friday news release.
Police say their investigation into the case remains active and ongoing.
“Our hearts are heavy for those that loved Bethannie,” police said.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or @JesseAPaul
