Nearly a year after the mysterious death of a 93-year-old woman in Augusta, Kansas, two 14-year-old girls have been arrested in connection with the case. The incident occurred over Labor Day weekend in 2023, leaving the victim’s family and the local community in a state of shock and disbelief.
The victim, Joanne Johnson, lived alone in the small Kansas town. Her family described her death as a calculated and brutal act, though the motive behind the crime remains unknown. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation confirmed the arrests of the two teenage girls, both from Augusta, but their identities have not been released due to their status as minors.
The girls are currently being held in separate juvenile detention facilities, facing charges of first-degree murder. The decision on whether they will be tried as adults, which would result in their identities being disclosed, is yet to be made. The investigative methods used to identify the young suspects have not been revealed, adding to the community’s unease.
The news of the arrests has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood. Holly Randol, a local resident, expressed her devastation and disbelief that the alleged culprits were children. She described the incident as the most devastating event their community has ever faced.
In an effort to solve the case, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issued an executive order in April offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Johnson’s murder. The investigation involved numerous interviews, physical evidence, and multiple search warrants.
Johnson’s son expressed his shock that such a brutal and senseless act could occur in their peaceful neighborhood, which is home to a population of 9,000. He remembered his mother as a caring individual who took a genuine interest in others and someone he aspired to be like.
Johnson’s obituary revealed that she was a devoted fan of Jayhawks basketball, a high school graduate of 1947, and a former secretary at Boeing. She was a mother of two sons and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, known for her deep love and dedication to her family.