PHOENIX, AZ – An Arizona mother faces serious charges after allegedly causing the death of her 3-month-old daughter through an ill-advised “back-cracking adjustment.”

Wanda Johnson, 26, has been charged with murder and child abuse, according to jail records. Authorities were first alerted to the possible abuse on March 11 when they responded to a report from Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Johnson informed police that she had awakened that morning to find her daughter having a seizure. In a bid to find help, she had her brother look up symptoms online. Believing her baby was cold, she wrapped her in a blanket, and when the seizure appeared to subside, she went back to sleep rather than calling 911. Later that morning, when her child experienced another seizure, Johnson rushed her to Banner Estrella Hospital. The child’s condition was so critical that she was subsequently airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

At the children’s hospital, doctors discovered the infant was suffering from severe injuries, including brain bleeding and swelling, broken ribs, and liver damage. Despite medical efforts, the child succumbed to her injuries two days later.

Initially, Johnson denied any wrongdoing. However, during additional police interviews, she admitted that she had performed a “back-cracking adjustment” on her daughter the day before the seizures began. Demonstrating on a doll, Johnson acknowledged she had no formal chiropractic training and conceded that her actions were “probably reckless.”

Johnson suggested to officers that while she did not intend to harm her daughter, it was “possible” that her actions were responsible for the injuries. She was subsequently arrested and booked into Maricopa County Jail, where she remains in custody with a $1 million bond set. Her next court appearance is slated for Sept. 3.

Authorities continue to investigate the case as the community reacts to the shocking allegations and tragic loss.