Topline: Based on information gathered from 911 calls and information at the scene, deputies quickly identified the son-in-law as a potential suspect.
Published: February 7, 2025 9:00 am ET
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Christopher Scott Johnson (via Etowah County Sheriff's Office)
ETOWAH COUNTY, AL – Police say an Alabama man allegedly shot his wife’s parents who were visiting from out-of-town.
According to the Etowah County Sherriff’s Office, 38-year-old Christopher Scott Johnson has been charged with Capital Murder in the shooting deaths of his father- and mother-in-law.
The Etowah County Sherriff’s Office responded to a shooting incident on Coats Bend Circle in rural Etowah County, Alabama, around 12:30 p.m. on January 28, .
Upon arrival, deputies discovered two adult victims, an adult male and an adult female, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency responders, including deputies, fire department personnel, and ambulance crews, worked at the scene to perform lifesaving measures.
One of the victims, later identified as Darla McKenzie, 68, was airlifted to a Birmingham medical facility in critical condition but was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.
The second victim, Michael McKenzie, 72, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Based on information gathered from 911 calls and information at the scene, deputies quickly identified a potential suspect.
Johnson was quickly identified as the suspect and arrested after being located a short time after the shooting.
He is currently being held without bond.
According to the Gadsden Times, Johnson had lived at the Coats Bend Circle residence with his wife, the McKenzies’ daughter, for several years. At the time of the shooting, the McKenzies were visiting from Rosewell, Georgia.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for the McKenzie family, and our hearts go out to them,” Sheriff Jonathon Horton said. “The loss of loved ones in such a tragic manner is devastating, and we extend our deepest sympathy to their family and friends. To the Etowah County community, I want to assure you that we are committed to ensuring justice is served, and there is no threat to your safety.”
Further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Published: February 7, 2025 9:00 am ET
Christopher Scott Johnson (via Etowah County Sheriff's Office)
ETOWAH COUNTY, AL – Police say an Alabama man allegedly shot his wife’s parents who were visiting from out-of-town.
According to the Etowah County Sherriff’s Office, 38-year-old Christopher Scott Johnson has been charged with Capital Murder in the shooting deaths of his father- and mother-in-law.
The Etowah County Sherriff’s Office responded to a shooting incident on Coats Bend Circle in rural Etowah County, Alabama, around 12:30 p.m. on January 28, .
Upon arrival, deputies discovered two adult victims, an adult male and an adult female, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency responders, including deputies, fire department personnel, and ambulance crews, worked at the scene to perform lifesaving measures.
One of the victims, later identified as Darla McKenzie, 68, was airlifted to a Birmingham medical facility in critical condition but was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.
The second victim, Michael McKenzie, 72, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Based on information gathered from 911 calls and information at the scene, deputies quickly identified a potential suspect.
Johnson was quickly identified as the suspect and arrested after being located a short time after the shooting.
He is currently being held without bond.
According to the Gadsden Times, Johnson had lived at the Coats Bend Circle residence with his wife, the McKenzies’ daughter, for several years. At the time of the shooting, the McKenzies were visiting from Rosewell, Georgia.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for the McKenzie family, and our hearts go out to them,” Sheriff Jonathon Horton said. “The loss of loved ones in such a tragic manner is devastating, and we extend our deepest sympathy to their family and friends. To the Etowah County community, I want to assure you that we are committed to ensuring justice is served, and there is no threat to your safety.”
Further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Alabama Man Allegedly Shoots, Kills In-Laws Visiting From Out-of-State
Based on information gathered from 911 calls and information at the scene, deputies quickly identified the son-in-law as a potential suspect.
By Jacob Charles
Published: February 7, 2025 9:00 am ET
Christopher Scott Johnson (via Etowah County Sheriff's Office)
ETOWAH COUNTY, AL – Police say an Alabama man allegedly shot his wife’s parents who were visiting from out-of-town.
According to the Etowah County Sherriff’s Office, 38-year-old Christopher Scott Johnson has been charged with Capital Murder in the shooting deaths of his father- and mother-in-law.
The Etowah County Sherriff’s Office responded to a shooting incident on Coats Bend Circle in rural Etowah County, Alabama, around 12:30 p.m. on January 28, .
Upon arrival, deputies discovered two adult victims, an adult male and an adult female, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency responders, including deputies, fire department personnel, and ambulance crews, worked at the scene to perform lifesaving measures.
One of the victims, later identified as Darla McKenzie, 68, was airlifted to a Birmingham medical facility in critical condition but was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.
The second victim, Michael McKenzie, 72, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Based on information gathered from 911 calls and information at the scene, deputies quickly identified a potential suspect.
Johnson was quickly identified as the suspect and arrested after being located a short time after the shooting.
He is currently being held without bond.
According to the Gadsden Times, Johnson had lived at the Coats Bend Circle residence with his wife, the McKenzies’ daughter, for several years. At the time of the shooting, the McKenzies were visiting from Rosewell, Georgia.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for the McKenzie family, and our hearts go out to them,” Sheriff Jonathon Horton said. “The loss of loved ones in such a tragic manner is devastating, and we extend our deepest sympathy to their family and friends. To the Etowah County community, I want to assure you that we are committed to ensuring justice is served, and there is no threat to your safety.”
Further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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