In kidnapping, death of Nalani Johnson will stand trial

Woman charged

The woman charged with kidnapping and killing toddler Nalani Johnson will stand trial.

All charges against Sharena Nancy, 25, of Penn Hills, were held for court after a preliminary hearing Friday. The charges include criminal homicide, kidnapping a minor, abuse of a corpse and other felonies.

Nalani was just shy of 2 years old when she disappeared Aug. 31. Police discovered her body near Pine Ridge Park in Burrell Township, Indiana County, almost three days later. She was still buckled into her car seat.

Ms. Nancy had an onand-off relationship with the girl’s father, Paul D. Johnson, then 21, according to Allegheny County Police.

That afternoon, Ms. Nancy, Mr. Johnson and a friend, Justin Rouse, took Nalani to Kennywood Park. Authorities said that later, Ms. Nancy was driving with the three of them when she argued with Mr. Rouse, who was sitting in the back seat, next to Nalani in her car seat.

The two men got out of the car, but as Mr. Johnson went to remove Nalani from the back seat, Ms. Nancy drove away, police said.

Mr. Johnson called the police, prompting an Amber Alert. Penn Hills police stopped Ms. Nancy at 7:26 p.m. heading north on Rodi Road. When the officer pulled the car over, Nalani and the car seat were missing.

Cellphone records showed Ms. Nancy had been near the Chestnut Ridge Golf Course in Blairsville about 6 p.m.

Nalani’s body was found just off Route 22, about a mile from Chestnut Ridge. She was the daughter of Mr. Johnson and Gladys Duarte, 20.

Police said Ms. Nancy claimed Mr. Johnson sold her the child for $10,000, but there’s been no evidence to corroborate that account.

Coroners ruled the death a homicide, but an autopsy revealed no signs of trauma.

Ms. Nancy’s formal arraignment is scheduled for March 3.