CAPE CORAL, Fla. — The Cape Coral Police Department said Rosemary Johnson, 69, was found dead in her Cape Coral home on Tuesday, and the person responsible is one of her sons.
Cape Coral Community Correspondent Bella Line was at the Cape Coral Police Department's press conference about the investigation on Thursday:
Devin Johnson has been charged with second-degree murder. The investigation started at a home on Jacaranda Parkway and NW 45th Place.
"The crime scene is extensive," Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore explained during a Thursday press conference.
Sizemore said Rosemary's family couldn't get ahold of their mother, so they went to her house.
Inside, Rosemary's daughter told Fox 4 she discovered her mother's body. Sizemore said the family also found bloody foot prints inside.
Johnson is accused of fleeing the scene, and was eventually arrested in Collier County after a fight with deputies.
His additional charges include fleeing law enforcement, resisting arrest, battery, attempting to take a law enforcement officer's firearm, animal cruelty and a traffic misdemeanor.
Detectives said they processed Devin's vehicle he took off in. They found blood inside, outside and on Devin's shoes, Sizemore said.
Investigators said evidence shows that Devin Johnson also purchased a plane ticket to Costa Rica after the stabbing with plans to leave on Sept. 17, the day after the murder.
Chief Sizemore said Devin is the only suspect in this case.
Johnson's family tells police that he has a documented history of substance abuse and domestic violence.
FOX 4 has learned Johnson was previously arrested for attacking his mother, according to court documents. You can see the report from Senior Reporter Ryan Kruger below:
FOX 4's Bella Line spoke with the victim's son, Anthony Johnson, who said, “I hope people who see this incident in the news that they treat their family like gold and very kindly.”
"Ultimately, what we want is justice for the victim and her family," said Chief Sizemore.
