The Cape Coral Police Department has released details about the death of 69-year-old Rosemary Johnson, whose body was found on Tuesday. She had suffered multiple stab wounds to her head and neck.
Family members discovered her body after they were unable to reach her and contacted the police. Authorities say during the initial investigation, witnesses reported seeing her son, Devin Johnson, leave the residence in a 2019 gray Toyota Corolla right before police arrived.
CCPD worked with Lee County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit to find and follow Johnson's car.
Authorities say Johnson evaded law enforcement but was eventually caught in Collier County after a foot chase. During the arrest, he assaulted officers, tried to steal an officer's gun and attacked a police canine.
CCSO found blood on Johnson's shoes and in the car he had been driving. He was initially booked into the Collier County Jail on charges including fleeing law enforcement, battery on an officer and animal cruelty.
Cape Coral's investigative services continued to collect evidence at the crime scene.
" When he was taken into custody, he was taken into custody for these other charges, but we did not yet have our probable cause to hold him on the homicide," said Police Chief Anthony Sizemore. " While he was still in custody on these charges in Collier County, we were able to serve him with the second-degree murder charges."
CCPD was able to find the evidence needed to charge Johnson with second-degree murder. Chief Sizemore praised the collaboration between agencies, saying, "Ultimately, what we want is justice for the victim and her family."
The investigation revealed Johnson's history of domestic violence and substance abuse. He had purchased a plane ticket to Costa Rica on the day of the murder, suggesting an attempt to leave the country. CCPD say Johnson had lived in Costa Rica previously.
Chief Sizemore commended the teamwork and rapid response.
"I can't say it enough, how impressive that work is, that they're some of the best in the business under normal, ordinary, difficult circumstances," he said.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working with State Attorney Amira Fox. Johnson is set to be arraigned in Lee County Court for the first time on second-degree murder charges.