Crime
Son-in-Law Charged with Capital Murder in Fatal Shooting of Georgia Couple in East Alabama
Johnson is currently being held without bond at the Etowah County Jail.
ETOWAH COUNTY, AL – A Georgia couple was fatally shot in rural east Alabama on Tuesday, and their son-in-law has been charged with capital murder in connection with their deaths, authorities confirmed.
Christopher Scott Johnson, 38, is accused of killing 68-year-old Darla McKenzie and 72-year-old Michael McKenzie.
The couple, who lived in Roswell, Georgia, were visiting a residence on Coats Bend Circle in Etowah County when the shooting occurred.
Johnson is currently being held without bond at the Etowah County Jail.
Etowah County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Upon arrival, they discovered both victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene. Michael McKenzie was pronounced dead at the residence, while Darla McKenzie was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where she succumbed to her injuries a short time later.
Based on information from 911 calls and evidence gathered at the scene, investigators quickly identified Johnson as the primary suspect.
He was taken into custody with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Ashville, Steele, Glencoe, and Rainbow City police departments.
Authorities confirmed that Johnson was married to the McKenzies’ daughter, who was present at the home at the time of the shooting and made the 911 call.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for the McKenzie family, and our hearts go out to them,” said Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton. “The loss of loved ones in such a tragic manner is devastating, and we extend our deepest sympathy to their family and friends.”
Sheriff Horton also assured the community that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
“We are committed to ensuring justice is served,” he stated.
The investigation remains active, with multiple agencies assisting in the ongoing case.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.