Woman pleads guilty to kidnapping, murder of 2-year-old Nalani Johnson

PITTSBURGH — The woman who police say kidnapped and killed 2-year-old Nalani Johnson pleaded guilty Friday.

Sharena Nancy pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and kidnapping.

Previous story: Woman accused of kidnapping, killing little girl to stand trial

Sharena Nancy didn’t answer any of our questions as she walked to her plea and sentencing hearing.

She was wearing a jail jumpsuit, handcuffs, and was escorted by sheriff’s deputies on all sides.

>>>Timeline of abduction, search and discovery of Nalani Johnson

She admitted that she kidnapped and suffocated 2-year-old Nalani Johnson, then put her in a car seat and left her in the woods in Indiana county in August 2019.

As part of a plea deal, she will spend the next 15 to 30 years behind bars.

Sharena was in a relationship with Nalani’s father when she kidnapped and killed the little girl.

Before the judge sentenced Sharena, several of Nalani’s family members spoke directly to her.

Previous coverage: Family’s fight for change to Amber Alert process after child’s abduction

Nalani’s mother told her, “I’ll never get to see my daughter grow up. There is a huge hole in my heart.”

And the little girl’s grandmother called Sharena a monster, after telling her that she deserves nothing less than life in prison.

Woman accused of kidnapping, killing little girl to stand trial

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