Tragic Death of 11-Year-Old Elijah Green in Wylie Leads to Arrests of Four Family Members

WYLIE, TEXAS – June 12, 2025 — The Wylie community is reeling after the heartbreaking death of 11-year-old Elijah Green, who was found unresponsive on June 9, 2025, and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The tragic incident has led to the arrests of four individuals who are now facing serious charges related to his death.

According to the Wylie Police Department, officers responded to a call regarding an unresponsive child at a residence in the early morning hours of June 9. Upon arrival, first responders found Elijah in critical condition. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, the young boy was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

An intensive investigation was promptly launched, involving child welfare officials, forensic experts, and detectives from the Wylie Police Department. As the investigation unfolded, authorities uncovered disturbing details pointing to ongoing neglect and potential abuse in the home where Elijah lived.

As a result of the preliminary findings, police arrested four individuals connected to Elijah’s care:

• Sadie Hope, age 28
• Clifford Johnson, age 67
• Eunice Johnson-Lightsey, age 46
• Sade Hope-Johnson York, age 30

All four have been charged with Injury to a Child and Abandoning and Endangering a Child—both serious felony offenses under Texas law. Authorities have not yet released further details on each suspect’s specific role in Elijah’s care, but have confirmed that they were either relatives or guardians of the boy.

“This is a deeply disturbing case, and our thoughts are with Elijah and those who truly loved him,” said a spokesperson for the Wylie Police Department. “Our officers and detectives are working tirelessly to ensure that justice is served for this young victim.”

Neighbors and community members have expressed shock and sorrow at the news, with some reporting that Elijah was rarely seen outside and that there were occasional signs of distress at the residence. “He was a quiet, sweet kid,” one neighbor said. “We didn’t see him often, but when we did, he always seemed so timid. It’s just heartbreaking.”

Officials have not disclosed the exact cause of death, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and pending results from the medical examiner’s office. However, investigators have stated that the evidence thus far supports the charges filed and points to a pattern of mistreatment.

Child Protective Services (CPS) has also become involved in the case, and it is believed that additional children may have been living in the household. Their welfare is now being assessed.

The Wylie Police Department has urged anyone with relevant information about Elijah Green’s life or treatment to come forward. “No piece of information is too small,” the department said in a public statement. “We need to ensure that all facts are brought to light, and that Elijah’s story is fully told.”

As the investigation continues, prosecutors are preparing to move forward with formal proceedings against the four suspects. Each remains in custody, and bond amounts are expected to be set in upcoming hearings.

This tragic case has left a profound impact on the Wylie community, raising renewed questions about the signs of child abuse and the systems in place to protect vulnerable children. A memorial has begun to form outside the family’s residence, with flowers, candles, and notes left in memory of Elijah Green—a boy whose life ended far too soon.

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