Couple Accused Of Severely Abusing Boy, 5, Plead Not Guilty

MURRIETA, CA – A serviceman and his live-in girlfriend accused of severely abusing his 5-year-old son pleaded not guilty Thursday to torture and cruelty to a child resulting in great bodily injury.

Benjamin Matthew Whitten, 33, and Jeryn Christine Johnson, 25, were arrested last week following an investigation by Murrieta police.

The defendants were arraigned before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Mark Mandio, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for the pair on Oct. 6 at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta.

Both defendants are being held in lieu of $1 million bail -- Whitten at the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta, Johnson at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside.

The child, identified only as Whitten's biological son, is undergoing treatment at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego.

According to Murrieta police Lt. Tony Conrad, officers became aware of the couple on Aug. 15 after paramedics were summoned to 24001 Verdun Lane, near Mountain Pride Park, regarding a child in medical distress.

Conrad said that the boy was suffering from "severe injuries" and his condition "required immediate medical attention."

The nature of his impairment was not disclosed.

After the child was examined at a Temecula Valley trauma center, doctors decided to airlift him to the pediatric hospital for specialized care. He had been in grave condition, according to Conrad.

After questioning Johnson and Whitten, who is in the U.S. Navy and stationed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Detachment-San Diego, investigators arrested the defendants.

Conrad described living conditions at the Whitten property as "extremely unsanitary," noting that 11 dogs, four cats and two fish were impounded by animal control officers.

Neither Whitten or Johnson has any record of prior felony or misdemeanor convictions in Riverside County.

ALSO SEE: Mom Arrested For 'Serious & Extensive' Abuse Of Son, 4

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• 'Poor Prognosis For Recovery' Of Murrieta Boy, 5, Who Was Tortured: Police
• Police Reveal Disturbing Details In Murrieta 'Torture' Case Of 5-Year-Old Boy
• 'Severe Neglect' Of Juvenile In Murrieta Under Investigation: Police

--City News Service/Booking photos courtesy: Murrieta Police Department