The tragic case of Hershall Creachbaum, a 7-year-old nonverbal boy with autism, has shaken the Dayton, Ohio community. After initially being reported missing, police now believe remains found on McClure Street belong to Hershall, who hadn’t been seen in weeks.
Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal called the situation “truly evil.” Hershall’s mother, Ashley Johnson, and her boyfriend, Michael Kendrick, now face multiple charges, including abuse of a corpse and obstruction. Kendrick reportedly admitted to fatally injuring the boy during an argument and later hiding the body in a freezer before dumping it in a field.
Family members say they were shut out of Hershall’s life in the months leading up to his death. His cousin, Chasity Rollins, called the loss “senseless,” adding, “We shouldn’t be burying this boy at 7.”
A memorial filled with flowers, toys, and signs reading “Justice for Hershall” now stands near the site. Locals are also pushing for a mural to honor him and raise awareness about protecting children with disabilities.
