Renee G. Johnson

Man Killed Wife, Daughter, Then Himself

Husband Called 911 Before Committing Suicide, Authorities Say

POSTED: 4:59 pm EDT April 1, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS -- Investigators believe a man killed his wife and their 14-year-old daughter before killing himself in their southwest-side Indianapolis house Tuesday, police told 6News' Rick Hightower.Authorities said they found the bodies of Renee G. Johnson, 49; Rebecca J. Johnson, 14; and Stephen J. Johnson in the house in the 5400 block of Gambel Road after the man called 911 at about 4 p.m. and told a dispatcher that a homicide-suicide had happened there.

Police said Stephen Johnson shot both his wife and daughter in the head before turning the gun on himself.According to investigators, the gun used in the shootings was found in the second-floor bedroom, where all of the bodies were found. Police said they also found a cell phone that was used to call 911 to tell operators where the bodies could be found. Investigators said Stephen Johnson made the call before killing himself.

The house was locked when officers arrived at the scene, but keys to the door were found hanging on a mailbox next to the door, police said."A couple of people that either knew them or were from the neighborhood … did not indicate any type of a problem there," Indianapolis police Sgt. Paul Thompson said.Sources that 6News did not name said electrical power to the home had recently been shut off. Information on why the home was without electricity wasn't available.

Also see post for dear daughter Rebecca J. Johnson.