Two teen girls arrested for murder in 93-year-old Augusta woman’s death

BUTLER COUNTY, Kan. (KWCH) - Two 14-year-old girls were arrested for first-degree murder in the September 2023 death of 93-year-old Joanne R. Johnson, of Augusta.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said the teens, from Augusta, were arrested Thursday afternoon and are being held at separate juvenile detention facilities. Formal charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing, the KBI said.

Johnson was found dead in her home over Labor Day Weekend last year. The Augusta Police Department said she lived alone. Authorities ruled her death a homicide.

After Johnson’s death, her son released a statement calling his mother a wonderful and kind person.

“The situation is inexplicable, no different than getting struck by lightning on a cloudless day,” the statement read. “The family has no words, or ability to understand what has happened. We would refer any questions on the investigation to the Augusta DPS, who we believe to this point are pursuing this with incredible professionalism, comion, and effort.”

In May, eight months after Johnson’s death, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and the 93-year-old’s family offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. Governor Kelly issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone with information leading to an arrest and conviction in Johnson’s death. Johnson’s family offered to match the reward for information, increasing the total reward to $10,000.

Responding to the arrests in the case nearly a year after Johnson’s death, her family said they’re in shock but are also ready to see the beginning of a resolution to what’s been a devastating year.

The family and Johnson’s former neighbors in Augusta said they’ve lived in fear while those responsible for the woman’s death remained at large. Although still heartbroken, Johnson’s friends and family say there’s relief with the breakthrough in the case.

“We just loved her and this was the most devastating thing for our block, our neighborhood,” said Holly Randol, a former neighbor of Johnson’s. “Still heartbroken that this whole thing had to happen. It was kids, kids. My heart is just broken.”

Johnson’s family said they don’t know the girls arrested in the case but added that no matter their age, this murder was brutal and punishment should be severe.

Addressing the arrests of two Augusta teens in connection with Johnson’s death, Augusta Public Schools Superintendent Matt Ward issued the following message to families in the district:

“The district has been made aware of Augusta Public Safety Department’s announcement regarding an ongoing investigation involving two Augusta minors who are part of a current law enforcement investigation. While the school district is not involved in this investigation, we will cooperate fully with law enforcement if the need arises.

News like this can be difficult, but I want to stress that the incident under investigation took place nearly one year ago, away from school. It did not take place on district property, and nobody from our school was placed in harm’s way at any time.

Because the law enforcement investigation is ongoing, the investigation involves minors, and it is not a district matter, it would be inappropriate for district staff to comment further.

If you have any concerns about how this news might affect your student, please your school for . Thank you for your partnership as we work together to make our schools a safe, positive place for learning.”

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