PITTSBURGH, PA – A woman from Pennsylvania has been apprehended and charged after authorities say she fatally beat her 3-year-old granddaughter, leading to the child’s slow and painful death over the Labor Day weekend.

Denise Johnson, 56, faces charges that include first-degree criminal homicide, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, abuse of a corpse, and corruption of minors. These allegations are outlined in a criminal complaint and affidavit of probable cause.

The victim, Ayla Lyric-Ann Miller, was found dead in her bed on Sunday, Sept. 1, at the Allegheny Commons apartments. According to police, Ayla’s body bore severe bruising on her face, torso, and limbs. Her injuries included a cigarette burn on her ankle, an infected wound on her other ankle, and additional injuries on her sternum.

An uncle discovered Ayla’s lifeless body, cold to the touch and with visible bloodstains on the bed. She was pronounced dead at 11:46 a.m. The police immediately launched a swift investigation.

Detectives uncovered that Ayla had been living with her grandmother for approximately six weeks due to her mother’s loss of electricity and the need for stable housing. The investigation escalated when Johnson’s sister relayed a grim confession from Johnson about the preceding days of continuous abuse.

According to Johnson’s sister, Johnson admitted to punching Ayla in the face, causing her to fall backward into a coffee table and strike her head. Johnson did not seek medical help and instead placed Ayla in bed, where she remained until she sadly passed away.

Authorities noted that, despite numerous apologies, Johnson failed to call for emergency assistance because she claimed she was paralyzed by fear. Text messages from Johnson to the police revealed her distress and regret, stating that she did not intend to fatally harm the child.

During a subsequent interview with another grandchild, further horrifying details emerged. The child recounted witnessing Johnson beating Ayla with a wooden stick and other implements, indicating that Ayla’s physical condition deteriorated rapidly as she was repeatedly struck to the point of immobility. The child was even coerced into fetching a belt to assist in the assault.

The brutal and prolonged nature of the abuse has deeply shocked the local community. An online fundraiser has been initiated to cover the costs of Ayla’s funeral, enabling friends and well-wishers to contribute to the child’s final arrangements.

Denise Johnson remains held without bail in the Allegheny County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on September 13.