Tragic Family Murder in Cape Coral: Son Kills Mother at Her Home

Tragic Family Murder in Cape Coral: Son Kills Mother at Her Home

The Cape Coral Police Department has identified the suspect involved in a horrific incident that resulted in the death of a 69-year-old woman inside her home on Jacaranda Parkway West. The incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon, leaving the community shaken and grappling with the brutal nature of the crime.

Discovery of the Crime

The tragic event began when the victim’s son, concerned after being unable to reach his mother, Rosemary Johson, decided to check on her well-being. Upon arriving at her residence at 4338 Jacaranda Pkwy W, he found the door accessible and stepped inside. What he saw next was harrowing: bloody footprints marked the floor, leading him to discover his mother’s lifeless body on her bed, covered partially by a blanket. Emergency responders were alerted shortly thereafter, with Fire & EMS radio communications confirming the grim discovery.

When officers from the Cape Coral Police Department arrived around 1:25 PM, they found Johson had suffered a significant number of stab wounds concentrated on her head and neck—indicative of a brutal and violent attack.

The Suspect and Immediate Aftermath

Following the discovery, police quickly launched an investigation and canvassed the neighborhood. It was soon determined that the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Devin Bryant Johnson, had fled the scene in a 2019 gray Toyota Corolla just prior to police arrival. Authorities promptly issued a “Be On The Lookout” (BOLO) alert, notifying neighboring law enforcement agencies to be on alert for Johnson and his vehicle.

Law enforcement efforts to apprehend Johnson became a high-stakes pursuit spanning multiple counties and agencies. Deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) located Johnson traveling on Treeline Avenue near Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Johnson fled, prompting a pursuit assisted briefly by the Florida Highway Patrol. However, the chase was called off due to safety concerns.

Manhunt and Arrest

LCSO Aviation units and undercover officers from Cape Coral Police Department tracked Johnson as he crossed into Collier County. His flight culminated in North Naples, near Tamiami Trail North. Here, deputies initiated a second pursuit, successfully deploying stop sticks near Wiggins Pass Road, which punctured Johnson’s vehicle tires.

Despite losing control, Johnson continued southbound on US-41, eventually abandoning his car at the rear of Riverchase Plaza near Tamiami Trail North and Immokalee Road. He then attempted to escape on foot.

Deputies quickly gave chase and managed to tackle Johnson to the ground. During the struggle, Johnson exhibited aggressive resistance and tried to seize a deputy’s firearm by grabbing him by the shirt. To subdue him, Cape Coral Police Department deployed a K9 unit. Johnson then attempted to choke the police dog by wrapping his hands around its neck. Multiple officers arrived swiftly to assist and ultimately took Johnson into custody.

The Toyota Corolla was seized at the scene, where blood was visible both inside and on the exterior. Johnson’s shoes were also noted to be stained with blood.

Charges and Background

After being treated and released from NCH North Naples hospital for injuries sustained during the arrest, Johnson was booked into the Naples Jail Center. He faces multiple serious charges, including:

• Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement

• Battery on Law Enforcement Officers

• Attempted Theft of a Law Enforcement Officer’s Firearm

• Animal Cruelty on a Police Dog

Further investigation revealed that Johnson had a documented history of domestic violence and substance abuse. Family members confirmed that he had been arrested twice previously for physically attacking his mother, painting a troubling picture of a history of violence within the household.

In an additional detail, authorities found that Johnson had purchased a plane ticket to Costa Rica earlier the same day, raising questions about a potential plan to flee the country after committing the crime.

Most gravely, the Cape Coral Police Department has charged Devin Bryant Johnson with Second Degree Murder for the killing of Rosemary Johson.

Reflections on a Tragic Loss

This tragic event underscores the often-hidden nature of domestic violence and the devastating consequences it can bring. The community mourns the loss of Rosemary Johson, a mother taken far too soon in such a violent manner. The Cape Coral Police Department, along with partnering agencies, remains committed to ensuring justice is served and to supporting the victim’s family during this difficult time.

Authorities are also calling attention to the importance of addressing domestic abuse proactively and providing resources for those in need before tragedies like this occur.