Seven Months After Hershall Creachbaum's Disappearance, Suspects Face Motion to Suppress Hearings

The boyfriend of the victim's mother and the mother herself are due back in court later this month as the family continues to seek justice.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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It has been seven months since 7-year-old Hershall Creachbaum was reported missing in Dayton, Ohio, before his remains were ultimately found. The boyfriend of Creachbaum's mother, Michael Kendrick, and the mother, Ashley Johnson, were arrested and charged in connection to the boy's death in July. However, the cause and manner of death were not determined until October. Now, the pair are facing motion to suppress hearings, alleging they were not read their Miranda Rights before being interrogated.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant attention in the Dayton community, with Creachbaum's family continuing to push for justice and accountability for the suspects. The upcoming motion to suppress hearings could have major implications on the prosecution's case, as the suspects' statements may be deemed inadmissible if the judge rules in their favor.

The details

On July 12th, Michael Kendrick, the boyfriend of Creachbaum's mother Ashley Johnson, reported the 7-year-old kidnapped. During questioning, Kendrick admitted the boy had actually been dead for weeks, leading officers to a wooded embankment off McClure Street where remains believed to be the boy were found. Both Kendrick and Johnson were arrested and charged later in July in connection to his death, but additional charges relied on information that hadn't yet been determined by the Montgomery County Coroner. It wasn't until October the coroner positively identified the remains as Creachbaum, with an unknown cause and manner of death in the coroner's report. In November, the pair were deemed competent to stand trial, but just days later lawyers for both Kendrick and Johnson filed motions to suppress, alleging they were not read their Miranda Rights before being interrogated.

  • On July 12th, Michael Kendrick reported the 7-year-old Hershall Creachbaum kidnapped.
  • In late July, both Kendrick and Ashley Johnson were arrested and charged in connection to Creachbaum's death.
  • In October, the Montgomery County Coroner positively identified the remains as Hershall Creachbaum, with an unknown cause and manner of death.
  • In November, Kendrick and Johnson were deemed competent to stand trial.
  • On February 20th, Kendrick's motion to suppress hearing is scheduled.

The players

Hershall Creachbaum

A 7-year-old boy who was reported missing in Dayton, Ohio, before his remains were ultimately found.

Michael Kendrick

The boyfriend of Hershall Creachbaum's mother, Ashley Johnson, who reported the boy kidnapped but later admitted he had been dead for weeks.

Ashley Johnson

The mother of Hershall Creachbaum, who was arrested and charged in connection to her son's death along with her boyfriend, Michael Kendrick.

Chasity Rollins

Hershall Creachbaum's cousin, who spoke to the media about the family's desire for justice and accountability for the suspects.

Montgomery County Coroner

The office that positively identified Hershall Creachbaum's remains in October, but could not determine the cause and manner of death.

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What they’re saying

“We want to be there to say, 'hey, this is not okay. You have the evidence, but let's put them away.' They deserve that at least for taking his life. They should not be able to get away with this just because his bones don't say he was murdered.”

— Chasity Rollins, Hershall Creachbaum's cousin (Dayton 24/7 Now)

“Overall, I'm hoping that justice is still there. I'm hoping that they get the charges filed on them that they deserve. They should not be allowed to just get away with what they did. I mean, it would be absolutely unfair.”

— Chasity Rollins, Hershall Creachbaum's cousin (Dayton 24/7 Now)

What’s next

Kendrick's motion to suppress hearing is scheduled for Friday, February 20th. The outcome of this hearing could have major implications on the prosecution's case against Kendrick and Johnson.

The takeaway

This tragic case has left the Dayton community seeking justice and accountability for the death of 7-year-old Hershall Creachbaum. The upcoming motion to suppress hearings will be a crucial next step, as the family continues to push for the suspects to face the full consequences of their alleged actions.