Mother and father charged after one-year-old boy dies from 'severe malnutrition' and second child found 'neglected' at home

By SHANNON MCGUIGAN, NEWS REPORTER Published: 14:28, 7 August 2026 | Updated: 14:28, 7 August 2026 A mother and father have been charged after a one-year-old boy died from 'severe malnutrition' while a second child was found 'neglected'. Maero Johnson had been rushed to hospital, but despite the best efforts of staff, he passed away on August 23, 2023.  The one-year-old died from ketonic hypoglycaemia and severe malnutrition, a Home Office postmortem confirmed.  A second child was also found by Merseyside Police officers to be neglected and underdeveloped. Adam Johnson, 26, and Kylie Smith, 25, both of St Helens, have been charged with causing/allowing the death of a child and possession of a Class B drug, cannabis.  Johnson and Smith are scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on August 13.  Maero Johnson had been rushed to hospital, but despite the best efforts of staff, he passed away on August 23, 2023 (General view of Holly Bank Street, St Helens) Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.