A peaceful neighborhood in Augusta, Kansas was shattered over Labor Day weekend (September 2-3) in 2023 when a disturbing crime took place. The life of Joanne Johnson, a 93-year-old great-grandmother, was abruptly ended in a vicious attack in her own home.
Close to a year later, on August 15, 2024, investigators revealed a shocking development: two 14-year-old girls were apprehended and charged with first-degree murder linked to Johnson’s death. The alleged offenders, who were 13 at the time of the crime, are presently detained in separate juvenile facilities.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) stated that Johnson was bludgeoned to death with a hatchet. The severity of the attack was such that Johnson’s son found it difficult to identify his mother when he found her lifeless body. “If we hadn’t seen her tennis shoes, I wouldn’t have recognized who she was,” he said.
The reason behind the murder remains a mystery. Investigators found no signs of theft, indicating that Johnson was not targeted for her belongings. This absence of a clear motive has left both law enforcement and the local community grappling to comprehend the motiveless nature of the crime.
Remembered fondly by her family as a compassionate individual who showed genuine interest in others’ lives, Johnson was a devoted Kansas University Jayhawks basketball fan. Her obituary detailed her dedication to her family, and the pride she took in her five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The investigation into the case posed significant hurdles. Almost a year of rigorous efforts, including numerous interviews, analysis of physical evidence, and multiple search warrants, led to the arrests. Despite no public tip-offs or information directly leading to the resolution of the case, the breakthrough came, according to Melissa Underwood, Communications Director for the KBI.
Johnson’s son described the incident as a violent and senseless act of murder in the serene residential area of their small town. He compared the odds of such an event happening in their community to a lightning strike on a clear day.
Kansas law, which prevents juveniles under 14 from being prosecuted as adults, has led to complex legal questions around this case. If found guilty, the girls could be detained in juvenile facilities until they turn 22 1/2, the maximum sentence allowed.
Given the extreme violence of the crime, Johnson’s family is pushing for the teens to face adult prosecution. They argue that the maximum penalties under the current juvenile justice system are not proportionate to the nature of the offense. Tim Johnson, the victim’s son, stressed the need to balance the severity of the murder with the reality that the accused are juveniles. The family is advocating for a reinterpretation of Kansas law, allowing for adult prosecution despite the age restrictions.
In April 2024, the case drew the attention of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the resolution of the case. Matching this amount, the Johnson family raised the total reward to $10,000. Despite this, the KBI clarified that the arrests were not a result of any tip-offs or reward-related information.
Following the arrests, a man identifying himself as the father of one of the suspects spoke to a local news outlet, sharing an alternate narrative. According to him, on the day of the murder, his daughter and her friend were coerced by a man in a park to go to Johnson’s home. He allegedly forced the girls to witness the murder, using a rusty axe found in the garage. The father added that the man threatened to kill the girls and their families if they revealed what they witnessed. However, these claims have not been confirmed or addressed by official sources, and the investigation continues.
Both teenage suspects have entered a plea of not guilty. Their next court hearing is scheduled for October 31.
