PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The man accused of murdering his parents in Portage earlier this year will stand trial, according to an update from MLive Tuesday. A preliminary exam was held on Tuesday in a Kalamazoo County courtroom.
Previously, 28-year-old Nicholas Johnson was found fit to stand trial after undergoing a mental competency exam in June.
He is accused of murdering his parents, Gary and Laura Johnson, and burying the bodies at Gourdneck State Game Area in February.
He faces the following charges:
- 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
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.
Gary and Laura Johnson – Undated courtesy via WOOD-TV
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.
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.
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.
On Tuesday, MLive reported that Johnson will now be facing a jury trial for the charges issued against him.
His next trial date has not been set, and he remains in police custody at this time.
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