Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced the sentencing of 43-year-old Johnette Booker for the horrific death of her 15-year-old cousin, Jallen McConnie. As stated in a press release by the Manhattan District Attorney's office, Booker faced a jury's decision on February 5, handing her a sentence of 20 years in state prison after being convicted on multiple charges, including Manslaughter in the First Degree, Gang Assault in the First Degree, and Assault in the First Degree. "Johnette Booker stands convicted of killing her younger, vulnerable cousin, through her vicious and cruel behavior," Bragg expressed, as reported by the Manhattan DA's office.
The conviction reveals a dark narrative where, Booker, subjected McConnie to a harrowing 32 days of abuse. Court records show that after McConnie was sent to live with Booker in late May of 2021, what was dubbed "cousin boot camp" swiftly descended into an abyss of trauma. Booker subjected her cousin to physical assaults with belts, forced exercises, and the denial of prescription medications—actions that culminated in his death on June 28, 2021. In a brutal beating that left the teen's body covered in welts and bruises, Booker eventually ordered McConnie to open his mouth, and a family member forced water down his throat in the bathroom. The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be homicidal asphyxia.
The Manhattan DA's release details how Booker then misled emergency services, police, and even family members, initially claiming that an attack by unknown boys in a park was to blame, before cycling through a series of falsehoods – including a claim of suicide by McConnie. According to the District Attorney's release, Booker's deception included a letter falsely stating she was elsewhere in the home when the deadly incident occurred.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant D.A.s Nicole Blumberg and Thomas Kendris, alongside investigative support staff who meticulously pieced together the tragic events. Survivor Services Bureau counselors also provided support throughout the process, the District Attorney's office acknowledged. Special recognition was given to NYPD Detective Paul Scott and FDNY Captain Peter Kearney, who both played integral roles in the investigation.
