Steven Kelley
A man and woman have been charged in the murder of minister Kenneth H. Johnson, whose body was found in a ditch at 2200 Blackford St. on Tuesday morning.
Arrested were Steven Kelly, 22, of 4014 6th Ave., and Jordan Britney Craig, 26, of 106 Peerless Ave., Apt. A.
They are charged with felony murder and especially aggravated robbery.
Police said he was beaten to death.
An officer said the victim had obvious trauma when his body was located.
Police found the victim's cell phone in his vehicle and saw text messages where he was told to go to an alley for an exchange of goods. Investigators called the number and spoke with Ms. Jordan.
She said she agreed to meet with the victim to buy drugs and he asked her to come alone. She said she brought her boyfriend, Kelley, with her for protection. She said he hid out.
Ms. Craig claimed that the victim requested to touch her private areas in exchange for the drugs. She said at that point Kelley came out and assaulted him. She said he was only protecting her.
Kelley said when he got out of the vehicle the minister attacked him with a crowbar. He said he was hit in the head and chest. Police said they only found a scratch on his head and no bruises on his chest.
The victim's vehicle was ransacked and his keys were taken.
Police said they were not able to locate any illegal drugs.
Sandra Johnson earlier identified the victim as her 59-year-old husband. He was an associate minister at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church.
She said she last saw him when he went out to assist someone as part of the church's women's ministry.
Jordan Craig