Keir Johnson, 34, and her 8-month-old baby disappeared on April 30, 2017. On Monday, investigators are giving an update on the cold case in Newport News.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The father of a missing 8-month-old girl has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to the disappearance of the infant and her mother.
Officials in Newport News gave an update Monday on the nearly 8-year-long search for a missing Hampton mother and her young daughter. Carlos Johnson is now facing two counts of first-degree murder.
34-year-old Keir Johnson and her 8-month-old daughter, Chloe, disappeared on April 30, 2017, after friends told police the two never showed up for plans at Buckroe Beach.
Detectives found her car in Newport News one week later and on May 11, 2017, Newport News issued an AMBER Alert to find the missing mother and daughter. Police ended the alert a week later, on May 18.
Carlos, a 46-year-old Newport News man, was taken into custody Friday during a traffic stop, police said.
Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney Howard Gwynn said the case is still considered a “no body” case, as the bodies of the victims have not been found.
The Newport News Police Foundation continues to offer a $25,000 reward in hopes someone will come forward with additional information. Smithfield Foods also added $10,000 to the reward fund.
“We understand the deep emotional impact this situation has had on the family, our community, and our Department and it has always been our sincerest hope that Keir and Chloe would be found alive. However, as the investigation progressed, we had to confront the painful reality that this was not the case,” said Steve Drew, Chief of Police.
The arrest in the years-long case was due to a collaboration between Newport News Police Department, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, and workers at the Attorney General’s office.
“Imagine living in a world where there’s no more trees and grass,” Teir Johnson, Keir’s twin sister, told 13News Now on the seventh anniversary of their disappearance last year. “All I know is her.”
Last year, Newport News police launched a new full-time cold case team. The Keir and Chloe Johnson case was at the top of the cold case detectives‘ minds.
“Every victim deserves to have their story heard,” said Attorney General Jason Miyares.
“This day has been a long time coming, especially for the family of Keir and Chloe Johnson. We want to express our deepest empathy for the Johnson family during this incredibly difficult time,” Drew said. “While we recognize that this recent arrest cannot bring Keir and Chloe back, we sincerely hope it provides a sense of justice for their loved ones.”