PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Wednesday morning, the Kalamazoo County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney announced that criminal charges have been filed against the son of a missing Portage couple who were found dead recently.
Previously, Gary and Laura Johnson had been announced as missing after not reporting to work for a few days. A search of their property showed signs of violence inside, and Laura Johnson’s vehicle was missing.
Her vehicle was later recovered at the Milham Meadows apartment building, where they also found the couple’s 27-year-old son Nicholas Johnson, a known parole absconder.
He was brought into custody on unrelated outstanding charges, where he was issued a $100,000 bond. Later, police discovered two bodies at the Gourdneck State Game Area, which were eventually confirmed as the missing couple. Police then announced that the case was being treated as a homicide investigation.
Wednesday morning, it was announced that the following charges have been authorized against Nicholas Johnson:
- Two counts of open murder
- Two counts of possessing a firearm while committing a felony
- One count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm
The Prosecutor’s Office is reminding residents that these are only allegations, and Johnson must be proven guilty in the court of law before any convictions arise.
He is also facing separate weapons charges relating to an separate matter, which he was already being held for.
Officials add that Johnson will be arraigned on the charges in the near future in the 8th District Court, although they did not specify when that would occur.
However, MLive reported that he is expected in court on Thursday, February 18.
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