The mother of Sophia Mason, the 8-year-old found dead at a home in Merced County, was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison Thursday in connection with her daughter’s death, according to the Merced County District Attorney’s Office. According to the DA, Samantha Johnson of Hayward was sen tenced to 15 years and eight months in state prison. Johnson had entered a plea to voluntary manslaughter, two counts of child abuse and two enhancements for causing great bodily injury in connection with her daughter’s death, authorities add. The DA said Mason was found dead at a home in Merced County after being reported missing in March 2022. Alameda County Sep 12, 2022 Family of 8-Year-Old Hayward Girl Abused, Murdered Take Legal Action Against Alameda County Hayward Sep 11, 2022 Sophia Mason's Relative Speaks Out After Police Arrest Man Suspected of Killing Child Hayward Sep 11, 2022 ‘This is the Most Disturbing and Horrific That I've Seen:' Mother's Boyfriend Arrested in Killing of Sophia Mason Authorities note while the Coroner’s Office was unable to determine the cause of death, the circumstances surrounding the discovery led officers to treat the incident as a homicide investigation. “The death of a child is among the most heartbreaking cases our office encounters. Our hearts remain with Sophia’s family and loved ones who have endured an unimaginable loss. No legal outcome can undo the pain caused by this tragedy,” Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira said. ...read more read less