Saturday, August 6, 2011

Detectives Conducting Double Death Investigation in the Independence Division


Gracie Nell Johnson
UPDATE: CMPD is reporting that it was an intense and collaborative effort among the various units of the CMPD and the Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) to locate the deceased second subject, Rianna Tarell Johnson.

Ms. Rianna Johnson was located behind 2108 Crown View Court in the Independence Division.  Officers were called in from each patrol division within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, along with the assistance of our Civil Emergency Unit, the Aviation Unit and the Charlotte Fire Department.
-----------------------------------------------------
Detectives with the Missing Persons and Homicide Units of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are conducting a death investigation near the 2200 block of Crown Point Executive Drive. The call for service came in at 2:21 pm, Friday, August 5, 2011.  The victim has been identified as 43-year old Gracie Nell Johnson.

Independence Division officers received a call for service in reference to a larceny call from 2516 North Sardis Road/Independence Boulevard at the Burlington Coat Factory. Upon their arrival, one subject was secured in custody, while the other two subjects fled the scene. A loss prevention employee ran after the subjects on foot. 

A short time later, it was discovered that the store employee and the two unknown subjects had entered the creek behind the business park. Charlotte Fire Department was called to begin a swift water rescue of the missing subjects. The employee made it out of the creek and advised officers and fire personnel of the last sighting of the two subjects. After a brief search, one of the subjects was located in the creek, deceased. The search still continues for the remaining subject.

CMPD’s Canine Unit and Civil Emergency Unit were called to assist with the search efforts as well.  Crime Scene Search responded to both locations to process the scene and collect physical evidence. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective.  Detective Terry Brandon is the lead detective assigned to the case.  In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.