A Manhattan woman was convicted of “brutally” beating her 15-year-old, specially-abled cousin to death on February 8, 2025.
The woman, Johnette Booker, 43, was charged with physically assaulting and causing the death of her minor cousin in June 2021. According to an official press release, a New York Supreme Court jury found Booker guilty on multiple counts, including first-degree manslaughter and gang assault. She is expected to be sentenced on March 7.
New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg described the case as “absolutely shocking and horrific,” emphasizing that Booker had subjected the teenager to both physical and emotional torture. He highlighted that she was supposed to be his caregiver for the summer.
“Instead of providing him with love and care when she assumed the role of caregiver by taking him into her home for the summer, she preyed on him, and her actions and omissions caused his tragic death,” Bragg stated.
How Did Jallen McConnie Die?
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The victim, Jallen McConnie, was believed to be autistic. He lived in North Carolina with his adoptive sister, who was also his legal guardian. As a form of punishment for misbehavior at home, he was sent to Booker’s home for the summer of 2021, referred to as “cousin boot camp.”
McConnie arrived at Johnette Booker’s apartment on the Upper West Side in late May 2021. During his 32-day stay, he was subjected to severe physical and mental abuse.
“He was physically assaulted multiple times with belts, forced to sleep on the floor, sit facing the wall with his legs crossed for most of the day, perform intensive exercises, hold heavy books over his head, scrub floors, stand in a corner touching his toes, and was denied his prescription medications,” the press release stated.
On June 28, 2021, McConnie was beaten with belts all over his body, leaving him covered in bruises and welts. Water was then forcibly shoved down his throat. Booker allegedly conspired with another family member during this assault. McConnie collapsed in the bathtub, and his cause of death was determined to be homicidal asphyxia.
Booker delayed calling 911 and provided false information to authorities and family members. She later went as far as claiming that her cousin had committed suicide.
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