In a shocking incident that has left the community in disbelief, two 14-year-old girls have been arrested in connection with the brutal killing of 93-year-old Joanne Johnson in Augusta, Kansas. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation confirmed that the teens, whose identities remain undisclosed due to their juvenile status, are facing first-degree murder charges.
The incident
Joanne Johnson was found dead in her home on Sept. 3, 2023. While details surrounding her death are limited, the victim’s family has described the killing as brutal and calculated. They are advocating for severe punishment for the accused girls, who are also residents of Augusta.
Details of the arrest
The KBI has stated that formal charges are pending, and the two suspects are currently being held in separate juvenile detention centers as the investigation continues. A man claiming to be the father of one of the girls spoke to local news, revealing that his daughter claimed they were coerced into Johnson’s home by a man who later murdered her with a rusty axe.
Claims of coercion
According to the father, his daughter stated that while they were walking in a park, a White man approached them and forced them to go to Johnson’s residence. The father recounted that his daughter tried to shield her friend from the horrific scene, covering her ears as the man threatened them with violence if they spoke about what they witnessed.
Community response
The arrest follows an executive order from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who had offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Johnson’s murder. Johnson’s family matched this reward, but KBI Communications Director Melissa Underwood noted that they do not believe any public tips contributed to solving the case.
Ongoing investigation
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have yet to determine any relationship between the accused girls and the victim, Joanne Johnson. The community is left grappling with the tragic loss of a beloved elder and the circumstances surrounding this shocking crime.
This incident raises critical questions about youth involvement in violent crime and the societal factors that may contribute to such tragedies. As the legal process continues, many hope for justice for Joanne Johnson and her grieving family.
