JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — The Johnston County district attorney said Thursday that he does not plan to charge an adoptive father in connection with the death of his 4-year-old adopted son.
"Barring any additional information, we do not expect Johnny Paddock to be charged with a criminal offense," said Johnston County District Attorney Tom Lock.
Paddock's wife, Lynn Paddock, was arrested in February and charged with first-degree murder in the abuse-related death of Sean Paddock.
An autopsy report confirmed authorities' belief that the child had been wrapped so tightly in a blanket that he had suffocated.
Lynn Paddock's lawyer, Michael Reece, however, has said he did not believe his client had any intention to kill the boy and has called the death a tragic accident.
The Paddocks had six adopted children at their rural Johnston County home, including Sean's biological brother and sister.
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