Home Crime Death penalty sought in death of Rockingham teen

Death penalty sought in death of Rockingham teen

ROCKINGHAM — Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the case of man accused of killing a teenager.

Joe Ray Carroll, 49, appeared in court Monday morning where prosecutors announced they would be making a capital case against the defendant, according to WSOC.

Carroll is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 15-year-old Casey Glenn Johnson.

The upgrade was a result of aggravated circumstances, WSOC reports, including evidence of ongoing physical abuse reportedly found by investigators and statements from the medical examiner that Johnson had a head injury similar to if he had been in a vehicle crash.

Officers with the Rockingham Police Department responded to 907 Biggs Blvd. on Jan. 20 in reference to an unresponsive teenage male, according to a statement issued Feb. 11 regarding Carroll’s arrest.

Officers reportedly attempted life-saving measures until EMS arrived on scene. Casey Johnson was taken to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill where he died Jan. 23.

Police say an investigation determined Johnson’s death was a homicide.

Casey Johnson’s mother, 44-year-old Michelle Lee Johnson, has also been charged with an open count of murder. She was arrested Feb. 18.

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Online court records show she also was scheduled to appear in court Monday, but WSOC reports she did not.

Casey Johnson’s death was one of three homicides in the Rockingham city limits within 10 days.

All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On Feb. 16, Richmond Senior High School held a drive-by vigil to remember Casey Johnson and two other students — Jalen David and Jacob Hughes — who died within the past year.

 



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