The tragic death of 8-year-old Hershall Creachbaum has shocked the Dayton, Ohio community and prompted a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his murder. The young boy was found deceased in a refrigerator, and the investigation led to the arrest of Michael Deshaun Kendrick, his mother’s boyfriend, on charges related to his death.

The Discovery and the Crime Scene

The horrifying discovery of Hershall’s body occurred on Saturday, when police were called to the residence in the 400 block of Xenia Avenue in Dayton. The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Hershall’s lifeless body was found stuffed in a refrigerator, a chilling detail that has raised many questions about the events leading up to the boy’s tragic death.

The situation surrounding Hershall’s death escalated quickly when Michael Kendrick was arrested on suspicion of murder, felonious assault, child endangerment, tampering with evidence, obstructing justice, and abuse of a corpse. These grave charges suggest that Kendrick’s involvement in the crime goes beyond mere negligence, and there is a dark and complex story behind the tragedy.

Hershall’s Life and Condition

Hershall was an 8-year-old boy with autism and was non-verbal. He used a wheelchair to help him get around, but he could walk limited distances. He had been living with his mother, Ashley Johnson, and her boyfriend, Kendrick.

Details shared by close family members and individuals familiar with the case indicate that Hershall’s life was far from ideal in the weeks leading up to his death. His wheelchair, which was critical for his mobility, had been sold by his mother and her boyfriend weeks before his disappearance. It is believed that Hershall was in an increasingly vulnerable situation during this time, and the sale of his wheelchair speaks to a lack of care and concern from the adults around him.

The Timeline of Events

According to police reports, Hershall was last seen around 3:30 a.m. on the morning of his disappearance. He had been reported missing by his mother on July 12, 2025, despite having been missing for two weeks prior to that. This delay in reporting his disappearance is a concerning aspect of the case, adding to the suspicion surrounding the family’s involvement in his death.

The fact that Ashley Johnson, Hershall’s mother, waited more than two weeks to report her son’s disappearance raises serious questions. Relatives have expressed confusion over why the boy’s absence wasn’t reported sooner, given that Hershall was known to have been living with his grandmother before she was involved in a car crash that placed her in a nursing home. Hershall’s life had already been complicated by this family trauma, and now his tragic death adds another layer to the complex dynamics at play.

Michael Kendrick’s Role and Arrest

Michael Kendrick, 29, had been living with Hershall and his mother at the time of the incident. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Kendrick gifting Hershall’s motorized wheelchair to a homeless man on Xenia Avenue, raising further suspicions about his role in the events leading up to Hershall’s death. This incident occurred just days before the boy’s body was discovered, and it is seen as an act that directly ties Kendrick to the tragic fate of the child.

Kendrick was arrested by Dayton Police on the evening of July 12, 2025, and is currently being held in Montgomery County Jail. His charges include murder, child endangerment, and abuse of a corpse, with law enforcement focusing on his role in both Hershall’s death and the cover-up afterward. While Kendrick has not yet been officially convicted, the evidence against him appears to be mounting.

The Investigation and Community Reaction

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities piecing together the events that led to Hershall’s death. The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office and the Dayton Police are working together to gather evidence and determine the exact cause of death, which at this point remains undetermined.

Family members have spoken out about their grief and anger following the discovery of Hershall’s body. Hershall’s paternal family, including his grandmother, had been unable to care for him after a severe car accident left her in a hospital and then a nursing home. It is clear from the investigation that Hershall’s life in the months leading up to his death was marked by neglect and a lack of proper care.

The situation also raises serious questions about the responsibility of Ashley Johnson as a mother and her role in allowing Kendrick’s continued presence in the household, despite the growing evidence of neglect and abuse. Hershall’s life could have been vastly different had his mother and her boyfriend not failed him so grievously.

The community of Dayton is in shock, with many locals struggling to come to terms with the horrific details of the case. Hershall’s tragic death highlights not only the dangers of neglectful parenting but also the vulnerability of children with special needs, who require extra care and attention to thrive.

Legal Implications and Charges

The charges against Michael Kendrick are severe, and if convicted, he could face significant time in prison. These charges reflect not only his direct role in Hershall’s death but also his actions in the aftermath, including his tampering with evidence and attempts to hide the truth.

The abuse of a corpse charge adds another layer of complexity to the case, and legal experts are paying close attention to the investigation’s progress. While the details of Kendrick’s motivations remain unclear, the community will be watching closely as the case unfolds in court.

Conclusion: Justice for Hershall

As the investigation continues, many are hoping for justice for Hershall, whose short life was marred by neglect, abuse, and ultimately, a tragic death. His family, especially his extended relatives, are grieving his loss and are determined to see that the person responsible for his death is held accountable.

This case serves as a painful reminder of the need for vigilance and intervention when it comes to the care of vulnerable children, particularly those with special needs. It also sheds light on the importance of proper caregiving, monitoring, and timely reporting in situations where children are at risk. The investigation continues, and more information will emerge as authorities seek justice for Hershall Creachbaum.

Hershall’s life may have been brief, but his memory will remain in the hearts of those who loved him. The hope is that justice will prevail, and that his death will serve as a call for better protection and care for children who rely on others for their safety and well-being.