A family is demanding charges after a 2-year-old child fell from an apartment window and died

SPARKS, Nevada (WHEEL/Gray News) – A Nevada mother says she wants justice after her child died while being watched by her stepmother.

Gabryelle Johnson said that on April 11, 2024, her 2-year-old son Chandler was watched by Darla McDermott.

According to authorities, McDermott said she left the boy on the arm of a couch that day so he could look out the window and watch construction workers because the toddler was obsessed with big trucks.

However, she went to the bathroom and when she returned, she found he was gone.

“You never expect to hear; “I’m sorry, your son is dead,” Johnson said.

A few months later, she said she still dreams of her child growing up.

“I wanted us to have all these great memories. I didn’t know my son would leave,” she said.

Emergency services tried to save lives that day, but Chandler did not survive the fall.

“I immediately fell to my knees and started screaming and crying,” Johnson said.

Sparks police did not file any charges against McDermott, citing that what happened was most likely an accident.

“I will never forget that day,” McDermott said. “I have nightmares all the time. I looked down and he was lying on the concrete.

Johnson and her mother, Sheri McDaniel, however, criticized authorities’ decision not to file any charges. They also question whether a full investigation was carried out.

“I don’t understand how someone can get away with killing a child,” McDaniel said. “She (McDermott) was the adult in the apartment. She was the one who left him alone with the window wide open. He wouldn’t be dead if she hadn’t done what she did.

The boy’s family says they have hired a lawyer to investigate the case further.

“You have to be responsible for what you did and be responsible for the pain you caused my family because you couldn’t close the window or keep him safe,” McDaniel said.

Family members say Chandler was “the most selfless child,” always wanted to learn and loved the outdoors.

“He was so happy … now his bed is empty,” McDaniel said.

Sparks police said no charges are currently pending in this case.