Family’s fight for change to Amber Alert process after child’s abduction, death stalled by pandemic

PENN HILLS, Pa. — It’s been one year since 2-year-old Nalani Johnson was kidnapped in Penn Hills. Her body was found days later, still strapped in a car seat at a park in Indiana County.

In the weeks and months following this heartbreaking incident, the calls for change of the Amber Alert process came swiftly to prevent another family from going through this.

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But that fight for change is currently on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Nalani Johnson Rule, as it is being called, was designed to expedite the Amber Alert process in situations where a child is kidnapped by a stranger or acquaintance. Johnson was reported missing at 5 p.m., and police believe she was killed around 6 p.m.; however, an Amber Alert notification wasn’t sent out until after 8 p.m.

The bill was introduced to the Pennsylvania State Legislature in February by Penn Hills Rep. Tony DeLuca and has a total of 21 co-sponsors.

But like many other things, that bill has been placed on the back burner since the start of the pandemic.

Taji Walsh, Nalani’s grandmother, organized a virtual walk in her memory. Through Sept. 15, all proceeds raised will go to the American Association for Lost Children -- a nonprofit in Latrobe that doesn’t receive the funding many larger centers do.

“I thought this would have been a perfect way to help the people who aren’t necessarily given publicity everyday -- you know, the underdog,” she said. “I thought this would be a good way to remember Nalani and to give back.”

To see the full story, including interviews with Nalani’s mother and grandmother, watch the video above!

Nalani Johnson Rule to amend Amber Alert law introduced at state level Nalani Johnson Rule to amend Amber Alert law introduced at state level

Cox Media Group