Chandler, a young boy from Sparks, Nevada, was described as an incredibly kind-hearted child. His family remembers him as someone who was always curious, eager to learn, and loved spending time outdoors.
On April 11, 2024, tragedy struck when Chandler was found unresponsive after falling from a window. Despite the best efforts of first responders, the toddler could not be saved.
Reports indicate that McDermott had placed Chandler on the arm of a couch near an open window so he could watch construction workers and trucks—a favorite pastime of his.
However, McDermott left Chandler unsupervised while she went to the bathroom.
She told KOLO TV: “I have nightmares all the time. This guy hollered at me, asked if it was my kid. I looked down, and he was laying on the concrete,” She added: “I’ll never forget that day.”
Chandler’s grieving mother, Gabryelle Johnson, has been outspoken in her calls for justice.
Johnson expressed her devastation: “You don’t ever expect to hear; ‘I’m sorry, your son is deceased’,”
She also shared her heartache over the dreams she had for her son’s future, saying: “I wanted us to have all these great memories. Little did I know my son was going to pass.”
The family has questioned whether the investigation into Chandler’s death was thorough enough.
McDaniel voiced her frustrations: “I don’t understand how someone gets away with killing a child,” She also said: “She [McDermott] was the adult in the apartment. She’s the one that left him alone with the window wide open. He wouldn’t be dead if she hadn’t done what she did.”
Reflecting on Chandler’s once joyful presence, McDaniel said: “He was so happy … now his bed just sits empty,”
Speaking further to KOLO TV, she emphasized the importance of accountability: “You have to be accountable for the things you’ve done and be accountable for the pain you caused my family because you couldn’t shut your window, and you couldn’t make him safe.”
The family has now sought legal assistance to review the case. However, police have confirmed that there are currently no charges pending in connection with Chandler’s tragic death.
