Executive Summary
- Devin Johnson has been indicted for first-degree murder in the stabbing death of his mother, Rosemary Johnson.
- Investigators allege the victim suffered over 100 stab wounds inside her Cape Coral home.
- Johnson was arrested after a pursuit where he allegedly fought deputies and attempted to choke a police K-9.
- The defendant’s brother cited a family history of abuse but expressed support for a potential death penalty sentence if a conviction occurs.
A Lee County grand jury has indicted a Cape Coral man on first-degree murder charges in connection with the brutal stabbing death of his mother in September, the State Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday. Devin Johnson faces counts of first-degree murder, aggravated abuse of an elderly person, fleeing and eluding law enforcement officers, and driving with a suspended license.
The indictment stems from the September 16 death of 69-year-old Rosemary Johnson, who was discovered deceased inside her home on Jacaranda Parkway West. According to investigators, the victim suffered more than 100 stab wounds, along with severe lacerations and bruising to her face and neck. Detectives stated that two knives believed to be used in the attack were recovered near the scene.
Following the discovery of the victim, authorities allege Johnson fled the jurisdiction, leading Collier County deputies on a pursuit that concluded on US-41 near Immokalee Road. Law enforcement officials report that after deputies deployed stop sticks to disable his vehicle, Johnson attempted to flee on foot and engaged in a physical altercation with officers. He is accused of attempting to seize a deputy’s firearm and Taser and allegedly choked a police K-9 unit released to apprehend him. Investigators further noted that Johnson had purchased a plane ticket to Costa Rica, suggesting an intent to flee the country.
Anthony Johnson, the defendant’s brother, addressed the indictment in an interview, describing a family history marred by domestic violence. “It’s on the heels of 40 years of violence in our family that has several domestic abusers, and it’s really sad,” he told reporters. While expressing love for his brother, Anthony Johnson emphasized his desire for justice for his mother, stating he is not opposed to the death penalty if a guilty verdict is reached following due process.
State Attorney Amira Fox described the killing as a “very targeted and very violent” attack during a press conference. The first-degree murder charge carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment or the death penalty under Florida law.
Judicial Outlook and Capital Proceedings
The indictment elevates this case to the circuit court level, where the potential for capital punishment will likely become a central procedural focal point. Given the severity of the aggravating factors alleged—including the heinous nature of the attack and the victim’s elderly status—prosecutors will weigh the application of the death penalty against potential mitigating evidence regarding the defendant’s background. As the discovery phase commences, defense counsel is expected to scrutinize the admissibility of evidence obtained during the multi-jurisdictional arrest. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
