Topline: After allegedly stabbing his mother multiple times, Devin Johnson led police on a high-speed chase across county lines before violently resisting arrest.
Published: September 22, 2025 8:00 am ET
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Devin Johnson (via Cape Coral Police)
CAPE CORAL, FL — A 28-year-old man is facing a murder charge after authorities say he killed his mother in her Florida home before leading law enforcement on a dangerous, multi-county pursuit that ended with a violent confrontation.
According to the Cape Coral Police Department (CCPD), officers were called to a home on Jacaranda Parkway West around 1:25 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, after family members discovered the body of 69-year-old Rosemary Johnson. Her children, concerned after being unable to reach her, arrived at the residence, noticed bloody footprints, and then found her deceased inside. She had sustained numerous stab wounds to her head and neck, according to CCPD.
As police began canvassing the neighborhood, witnesses reported seeing Rosemary Johnson’s son, Devin Bryant Johnson, leave the home in a gray 2019 Toyota Corolla shortly before officers arrived. Authorities quickly issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout), and assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol helped locate Johnson’s vehicle as it crossed into Collier County.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) confirmed that deputies spotted Johnson on U.S. 41 near North Naples and deployed stop sticks to disable the vehicle. While the device successfully deflated the tires, Johnson reportedly continued to flee. According to a CCSO arrest affidavit cited by The News-Press, Johnson exited his vehicle briefly, appeared to pick up an unknown object from in front of the car, then drove off again before eventually abandoning the car behind a Publix supermarket near Riverchase Plaza.
The foot chase that followed turned violent. As reported by both WINK News and The News-Press, deputies attempted to subdue Johnson using Tasers, but the probes had no effect. He allegedly kicked one deputy, attempted to take another’s firearm, and fiercely resisted arrest. A Cape Coral K9 unit was deployed to assist with the takedown. Authorities say Johnson grabbed the police dog by the throat and struck it multiple times while continuing to fight off officers.
Eventually, Johnson was restrained and taken into custody. He was initially booked into the Collier County Jail on a litany of charges, including fleeing and eluding law enforcement, resisting arrest with violence, battery on law enforcement, attempted weapon disarming, and animal cruelty.
Back in Cape Coral, detectives and forensic teams worked the crime scene as new details about Johnson emerged. According to CCPD, family members told investigators that Johnson had a documented history of domestic violence and substance abuse. Officers also noted that blood was visible both inside and outside Johnson’s vehicle, and his shoes were stained with what appeared to be blood.
Adding a layer of urgency to the investigation, Cape Coral Police say they discovered Johnson had purchased a plane ticket to Costa Rica the same day his mother was killed.
Devin Johnson now faces a second-degree murder charge in Lee County. His arraignment in Collier County, where he still faces numerous charges related to the pursuit and arrest, is scheduled for October 13, according to The News-Press.
While CCPD is not commenting on the motive, the department acknowledged the complexity and violence of the incident and credited its resolution to the collaboration among multiple agencies, including CCSO, LCSO, and Florida Highway Patrol.
In interviews with WINK News, Johnson’s brother, Anthony, reflected on his sibling’s troubled past and the lasting scars of family trauma. He described Devin as a sweet child turned unstable adult, citing their father’s violent alcoholism and Devin’s history of mental illness as contributing factors.
“He was a terrific kid growing up,” Anthony said. “It’s horrifying now because he was the most innocent, sweetest little kid.”
Despite the shocking nature of the crime, Anthony expressed lingering compassion for his brother. “I still love him. I’m not going to abandon him,” he told reporters.
As the investigation continues, the Cape Coral Police Department emphasized its commitment to pursuing justice for Rosemary Johnson, stating that their forensic unit remains actively involved and that the arrest of Devin Johnson marks a “significant step” forward in the case.
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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Florida Man Accused of Killing Mother, Punching Police Dog During Arrest
After allegedly stabbing his mother multiple times, Devin Johnson led police on a high-speed chase across county lines before violently resisting arrest.
By Jacob Charles
Published: September 22, 2025 8:00 am ET
Devin Johnson (via Cape Coral Police)
CAPE CORAL, FL — A 28-year-old man is facing a murder charge after authorities say he killed his mother in her Florida home before leading law enforcement on a dangerous, multi-county pursuit that ended with a violent confrontation.
According to the Cape Coral Police Department (CCPD), officers were called to a home on Jacaranda Parkway West around 1:25 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, after family members discovered the body of 69-year-old Rosemary Johnson. Her children, concerned after being unable to reach her, arrived at the residence, noticed bloody footprints, and then found her deceased inside. She had sustained numerous stab wounds to her head and neck, according to CCPD.
As police began canvassing the neighborhood, witnesses reported seeing Rosemary Johnson’s son, Devin Bryant Johnson, leave the home in a gray 2019 Toyota Corolla shortly before officers arrived. Authorities quickly issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout), and assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol helped locate Johnson’s vehicle as it crossed into Collier County.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) confirmed that deputies spotted Johnson on U.S. 41 near North Naples and deployed stop sticks to disable the vehicle. While the device successfully deflated the tires, Johnson reportedly continued to flee. According to a CCSO arrest affidavit cited by The News-Press, Johnson exited his vehicle briefly, appeared to pick up an unknown object from in front of the car, then drove off again before eventually abandoning the car behind a Publix supermarket near Riverchase Plaza.
The foot chase that followed turned violent. As reported by both WINK News and The News-Press, deputies attempted to subdue Johnson using Tasers, but the probes had no effect. He allegedly kicked one deputy, attempted to take another’s firearm, and fiercely resisted arrest. A Cape Coral K9 unit was deployed to assist with the takedown. Authorities say Johnson grabbed the police dog by the throat and struck it multiple times while continuing to fight off officers.
Eventually, Johnson was restrained and taken into custody. He was initially booked into the Collier County Jail on a litany of charges, including fleeing and eluding law enforcement, resisting arrest with violence, battery on law enforcement, attempted weapon disarming, and animal cruelty.
Back in Cape Coral, detectives and forensic teams worked the crime scene as new details about Johnson emerged. According to CCPD, family members told investigators that Johnson had a documented history of domestic violence and substance abuse. Officers also noted that blood was visible both inside and outside Johnson’s vehicle, and his shoes were stained with what appeared to be blood.
Adding a layer of urgency to the investigation, Cape Coral Police say they discovered Johnson had purchased a plane ticket to Costa Rica the same day his mother was killed.
Devin Johnson now faces a second-degree murder charge in Lee County. His arraignment in Collier County, where he still faces numerous charges related to the pursuit and arrest, is scheduled for October 13, according to The News-Press.
While CCPD is not commenting on the motive, the department acknowledged the complexity and violence of the incident and credited its resolution to the collaboration among multiple agencies, including CCSO, LCSO, and Florida Highway Patrol.
In interviews with WINK News, Johnson’s brother, Anthony, reflected on his sibling’s troubled past and the lasting scars of family trauma. He described Devin as a sweet child turned unstable adult, citing their father’s violent alcoholism and Devin’s history of mental illness as contributing factors.
“He was a terrific kid growing up,” Anthony said. “It’s horrifying now because he was the most innocent, sweetest little kid.”
Despite the shocking nature of the crime, Anthony expressed lingering compassion for his brother. “I still love him. I’m not going to abandon him,” he told reporters.
As the investigation continues, the Cape Coral Police Department emphasized its commitment to pursuing justice for Rosemary Johnson, stating that their forensic unit remains actively involved and that the arrest of Devin Johnson marks a “significant step” forward in the case.
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
Florida Man Accused of Killing Mother, Punching Police Dog During Arrest
After allegedly stabbing his mother multiple times, Devin Johnson led police on a high-speed chase across county lines before violently resisting arrest.
By Jacob Charles
Published: September 22, 2025 8:00 am ET
Devin Johnson (via Cape Coral Police)
CAPE CORAL, FL — A 28-year-old man is facing a murder charge after authorities say he killed his mother in her Florida home before leading law enforcement on a dangerous, multi-county pursuit that ended with a violent confrontation.
According to the Cape Coral Police Department (CCPD), officers were called to a home on Jacaranda Parkway West around 1:25 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, after family members discovered the body of 69-year-old Rosemary Johnson. Her children, concerned after being unable to reach her, arrived at the residence, noticed bloody footprints, and then found her deceased inside. She had sustained numerous stab wounds to her head and neck, according to CCPD.
As police began canvassing the neighborhood, witnesses reported seeing Rosemary Johnson’s son, Devin Bryant Johnson, leave the home in a gray 2019 Toyota Corolla shortly before officers arrived. Authorities quickly issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout), and assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol helped locate Johnson’s vehicle as it crossed into Collier County.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) confirmed that deputies spotted Johnson on U.S. 41 near North Naples and deployed stop sticks to disable the vehicle. While the device successfully deflated the tires, Johnson reportedly continued to flee. According to a CCSO arrest affidavit cited by The News-Press, Johnson exited his vehicle briefly, appeared to pick up an unknown object from in front of the car, then drove off again before eventually abandoning the car behind a Publix supermarket near Riverchase Plaza.
The foot chase that followed turned violent. As reported by both WINK News and The News-Press, deputies attempted to subdue Johnson using Tasers, but the probes had no effect. He allegedly kicked one deputy, attempted to take another’s firearm, and fiercely resisted arrest. A Cape Coral K9 unit was deployed to assist with the takedown. Authorities say Johnson grabbed the police dog by the throat and struck it multiple times while continuing to fight off officers.
Eventually, Johnson was restrained and taken into custody. He was initially booked into the Collier County Jail on a litany of charges, including fleeing and eluding law enforcement, resisting arrest with violence, battery on law enforcement, attempted weapon disarming, and animal cruelty.
Back in Cape Coral, detectives and forensic teams worked the crime scene as new details about Johnson emerged. According to CCPD, family members told investigators that Johnson had a documented history of domestic violence and substance abuse. Officers also noted that blood was visible both inside and outside Johnson’s vehicle, and his shoes were stained with what appeared to be blood.
Adding a layer of urgency to the investigation, Cape Coral Police say they discovered Johnson had purchased a plane ticket to Costa Rica the same day his mother was killed.
Devin Johnson now faces a second-degree murder charge in Lee County. His arraignment in Collier County, where he still faces numerous charges related to the pursuit and arrest, is scheduled for October 13, according to The News-Press.
While CCPD is not commenting on the motive, the department acknowledged the complexity and violence of the incident and credited its resolution to the collaboration among multiple agencies, including CCSO, LCSO, and Florida Highway Patrol.
In interviews with WINK News, Johnson’s brother, Anthony, reflected on his sibling’s troubled past and the lasting scars of family trauma. He described Devin as a sweet child turned unstable adult, citing their father’s violent alcoholism and Devin’s history of mental illness as contributing factors.
“He was a terrific kid growing up,” Anthony said. “It’s horrifying now because he was the most innocent, sweetest little kid.”
Despite the shocking nature of the crime, Anthony expressed lingering compassion for his brother. “I still love him. I’m not going to abandon him,” he told reporters.
As the investigation continues, the Cape Coral Police Department emphasized its commitment to pursuing justice for Rosemary Johnson, stating that their forensic unit remains actively involved and that the arrest of Devin Johnson marks a “significant step” forward in the case.
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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