Graphic details, timeline revealed in murder case of Charlotte mother and 2 children
Editor’s Note: Warning. Some details below are graphic in nature. Reader discretion is advised.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Court documents released on Monday reveal further details and a timeline in the murder of a Charlotte mother and her two children.
Markayla Johnson and her children, 4-year-old Miracle Johnson and 7-month-old Messiah Johnson were found dead following a search conducted at an apartment on Orchard Trace Lane in Charlotte on Friday, March 15, after the three were reported missing on March 3.
Johnson’s boyfriend and accused killer, Benjamin Taylor, 34, was discovered in a tent not far from the Mexico border on Saturday, March 16. The apprehension happened in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. Dramatic bodycam video captured the arrest of the triple-murder suspect.
VIDEO: Body cam shows arrest of suspect accused of killing Charlotte mom, 2 kids
Timeline: Mother, children missing nearly 2 weeks
On Monday, court documents revealed the events that transpired between March 3, when the mother and children were reported missing, and March 15 and 16 when their bodies were found.
On March 3, around 5 p.m., family members of Johnson filed a missing person’s report with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, after not hearing from her.
During the missing person’s investigation, detectives learned that Johnson lived in an apartment with Taylor. Detectives learned that the last contact anyone had with Johnson was around Jan. 20 with family. No other adults lived at their apartment, court records stated.
On March 5, family members and CMPD detectives arrived at the home in an attempt to locate Johnson. Detectives knocked, received no answer, and then left, documents state.
Later, a maintenance employee told detectives that he tried to enter the apartment, but the interior security lock stopped him. He opened the door, yelled into the apartment, received no answer, and then left.
On March 6, detectives were able to locate video surveillance of Taylor fleeing the State of North Carolina on a passenger bus.
More than one week later on March 15, detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant. During the search, authorities found a deceased woman, later identified as Johnson, inside. Homicide detectives and crime scene units were called and responded to the scene.
A gruesome discovery
Court documents released on Monday revealed further details surrounding the murders of Markayla Johnson and her two young children.
While processing the crime scene, Johnson was located in a plastic storage container inside the home, court records state. Detectives also found multiple used air fresheners and candles.
Multiple fans were turned on and the AC unit was turned down to about 62 degrees, documents stated. Upon further examination, detectives said Johnson had apparent cords around her.
One day later on March 16, detectives searched Taylor’s vehicle, following an approved search warrant and towing of the car. Authorities said Taylor was operating the vehicle previously.
Inside Taylor’s vehicle detectives located his North Carolina ID and numerous paperwork in his name. The vehicle was locked and secured at the time of entry, authorities said.
Detectives continued the search to the trunk, where they found 4-year-old Miracle Johnson and 7-month-old Messiah Johnson inside plastic bags, inside travel bags.
The search warrant states one of the children’s wrists was bound by a cord and multiple diapers were wrapped around her face and head.
The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office was called to both crime scenes. Autopsy results are pending for Johnson and her children.
Accused killer returned to North Carolina
After fleeing to an area in Imperial County, California, known for lawlessness, Taylor was captured and eventually transferred to Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. He is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and felony conceal/failure to report a death.
On Monday, April 8, a judge denied bond for Taylor.
According to the NC Department of Adult Correction, Taylor has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2007. Charges include B&E, assault, as well as weapon and drug-related charges.
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