Middletown man charged with “savage” murder of three-year-old

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Print
Three-year-old Xavier Johnson, murdered last June 2, allegedly by his mother's boyfriend
Chief Robert Hertman, podium, Wallkill Supervisor George Serrano, left, and DA David Hoovler, right (photo: RTG)

TOWN OF WALLKILL – A 23-year-Middletown man has been charged with the brutal killing of a three-year-old boy who was the son of his girlfriend.

Wallkill Town Police Chief Robert Hertman and Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced on Tuesday that Gionni Sellers has been indicted on charges of murder and manslaughter in the June 2 killing of Xavier Johnson.

Officials said he was babysitting the youngster at their 4 Edward Diana Way apartment in Wallkill while his mother was at work.

A neighbor made the initial 911 call that brought Wallkill Police to the home. The child was rushed to the hospital and died a short time later.

DA Hoovler described the boy’s injuries as “savage” and said he suffered blunt force trauma resulting in brain hemorrhages, retinal hemorrhages and internal bleeding.

“This young child should be alive today, should be enjoying the Christmas holiday and he’s not,” Hoovler said.

The investigation by a number of police agencies took place over a six-month period.

Sellers was arranged on December 16 and indicted by a grand jury on indicted on December 23.

If convicted or murder, Sellers faces 25 years to life in prison. If found guilty of the manslaughter charge, he could face 25 years behind bars.

Sellers was remanded to the Orange County Jail in lieu of $750,000 bail or $5 million bond.




Popular Stories