Johna Osborn - Burned in Parents Meth Lab

Johna Osborn was 14 months old in August 2009 when she was burned over 40% of her body in a fire caused by her parent's meth lab.

Johna was playing her her playpen while her infant brother lay in a baby swing.  Nearby her father was attempting to manufacture methamphetamine when the process caused an explosion.  Johna was trapped in her playpen when it erupted in flames.  She was burnt over 40% of her body before her father flipped her out of the playpen.  Her brother was not injured.

Her father, John Osborn, states he instructed her mother to call 911.  He then ran away leaving his critically injured daughter because he said he feared arrest.  He was later arrested when seeking treatment for his own burns.

Johna's mother, Tessa Wagy, lied and told medical workers that Johna was burnt in a grease fire.  It was only after the baby's burns did not respond to the proper treatment and some had deteriorated from 2nd to 3rd degree did doctors discover the true nature of her injuries.

I can not imagine any parent letting their child suffer in such a way while not opening their mouths so their child could be treated properly.  However, it has happened more than once.  In TN a child swallowed chemicals and her parents listened to her screams for an hour and kept telling doctors they "didn't know" what she had gotten into.  In another case a 6 month old baby was found with 3rd degree chemical burns  - his grandmother feared the discovery of her meth lab so she did not take him to the doctor.

Johna, now over a year later, is receiving speech and physical therapy for her injuries.  Her grandmother, who has custody now, said doctors are worried she may not have full use of her arm.

To make matters worse in this situation Johna was not even supposed to be with her parents.  Her aunt,  Wendy Adkison, was her appointed guardian.   According to the rules set forth in the guardianship agreement the aunt was supposed to contact the department of family services if either parent even tried to contact Johna.  Instead, she gave Johna to them.

John Osborn was sentenced to 60 years in prison.  He denied ever attempting to manufacture meth.

Tessa Wagy was sentenced to 50 years.  She admitted to buying the pseudoephedrine.

Wendy Adkison received supervised probation.  No jail time.


http://www.newsherald.com/news/sentenced-88662-injured-lab.html

http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Osborn_Guilty_as_Charged_in_Meth_and_Child_Abuse_Case_111238369.html

http://www.newsherald.com/news/sentenced-91038-burned-city.html