PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Monday, WOOD TV 8 reported new findings in the case of the murdered Portage couple, Gary and Laura Johnson.
Previously, murder charges had been issued against the son of the Johnson couple, 27-year-old Nicholas Johnson.
Nicholas Johnson. (Photo via Kalamazoo County Jail).
Originally, police had been asked to check on the couple after Gary Johnson had not logged on for work in a few days. His employer said this was unusual for him.
A search revealed signs of violence at their residence, which included blood stains, bloody sheets and a spent 9 mm bullet casing.
Police later discovered Laura Johnson’s vehicle at a Portage apartment complex, where they also found Nicholas Johnson. Police say Johnson was a known parole absconder, and was arrested on charges unrelated to this incident.
WOOD TV reported that, using GPS data from Laura Johnson’s vehicle, police were able to locate two bodies at the Gourdneck State Game Area. Those bodies were eventually confirmed as the missing couple.
The report also says they had both been shot with a 9 mm handgun.
Upon discovery, Nicholas Johnson was also found with items such as two phones, one of which was confirmed to be Laura Johnson’s, along with their driver’s licenses, credit cards, and other personal items.
He also had a 9 mm handgun which had recently been purchased.
In addition, recent searches on the phone included topics such as Ring Doorbells and whether they continue to record footage after having their base removed, as well as queries on how to transfer money out of a trust.
According to WOOD TV, a probable cause document states that Nicholas Johnson would have been the only recipient of the Johnson’s trust.
In a related matter, Johnson is a person of interest in a separate case involving the disappearance of a Gobles-area teenager.
He currently remains lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail while police continue their investigation. His attorney reports that Johnson is maintaining his innocence.
This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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