An Ohio man who initially reported his girlfriend’s disabled son missing is now facing charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter, and endangering children following the boy’s death. Michael Kendrick, 39, and Ashley Johnson, 36, were arrested in connection with the death of Johnson’s 7-year-old son, Hershall Creachbaum, in July 2025.
The Incident and Initial Report
On July 12, 2025, Kendrick reported to the Dayton Police Department that Hershall, who had nonverbal autism and relied on a wheelchair, had gone missing around 3:30 a.m. According to police, the wheelchair was later found, but there was no sign of Hershall. Hours after the 911 call, police discovered the boy’s remains, leading them to believe he had never been missing and had likely been dead for several weeks.
Investigation and Changing Stories
During their investigation, authorities questioned Hershall’s mother, Ashley Johnson, who reportedly told police that she had left her son in Kendrick’s care when she was hospitalized following surgery in May 2025. Kendrick initially told police that Hershall died of natural causes, but his story changed over time. He later admitted to punching Hershall and pushing him to the ground, causing the boy to strike other parts of his body as he bounced off the floor. Kendrick then claimed that Hershall died while in the shower.
Aftermath and Disposal of Hershall’s Body
Kendrick’s actions following Hershall’s death were allegedly chilling. He reportedly told police that he kept the boy’s body in the home until it began to smell. Kendrick then allegedly moved the body into a freezer, wrapped it in a sheet, and stuffed it into a suitcase. He disposed of the suitcase containing Hershall’s remains in a grassy field near train tracks. Kendrick later allegedly moved the body to a different location where it was eventually discovered.
New Charges and Legal Proceedings
Both Kendrick and Johnson have been indicted on additional charges. Johnson is now facing charges of abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence in addition to her previous charge of obstructing justice. Kendrick has been charged with murder, involuntary manslaughter, and two counts of endangering children, alongside his original charges of tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse.
Both suspects are in custody at the Montgomery County Jail, with Kendrick being held without bond and Johnson held on a $25,000 bond. They are scheduled to appear in court on April 30, 2026. This tragic case has shocked the community, and authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hershall’s death.
