Teenage Girls Arrested in Connection with Mysterious Murder of 93-Year-Old Great-Grandmother
August 16, 2024
KANSAS: Two 14-year-old girls have been arrested in connection with the murder of 93-year-old Joanne Johnson, a great-grandmother who lived alone in Augusta, Kansas. The arrest comes nearly a year after Johnson's body was found in her home, sparking a large-scale investigation and a reward-focused executive order from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.
According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the two teenage girls, who are from the same town as the victim, were arrested on Thursday and are currently being held in separate juvenile detention facilities. While their names have not been released due to their age, it is unclear whether they will be charged as adults.
The motive behind Johnson's murder remains unclear, but her family described the crime as "brutal and calculated." Johnson's son expressed his shock and devastation at the news, calling the murder "inexplicable" and comparing it to "getting struck by lightning on a cloudless day."
The investigation into Johnson's murder involved a large number of interviews, multiple items of physical evidence, and multiple search warrants. As recently as April, Governor Kelly issued an executive order authorizing a $5,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of those responsible.
Johnson was described by her family as a kind and caring person who was always interested in others. She was an avid fan of Jayhawks basketball and dedicated her life to her family, leaving behind five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The arrest of the two teenage girls has left the community in shock, with many expressing their disbelief that "kids" could be responsible for such a heinous crime. As the investigation continues, the community is left searching for answers and justice for Joanne Johnson and her family.
