Crime
Son-in-Law Charged with Capital Murder in Fatal Shooting of Georgia Couple in East Alabama
Johnson is currently being held without bond at the Etowah County Jail.
ETOWAH COUNTY, AL – A Georgia couple was fatally shot in rural east Alabama on Tuesday, and their son-in-law has been charged with capital murder in connection with their deaths, authorities confirmed.
Christopher Scott Johnson, 38, is accused of killing 68-year-old Darla McKenzie and 72-year-old Michael McKenzie.
The couple, who lived in Roswell, Georgia, were visiting a residence on Coats Bend Circle in Etowah County when the shooting occurred.
Johnson is currently being held without bond at the Etowah County Jail.
Etowah County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Upon arrival, they discovered both victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene. Michael McKenzie was pronounced dead at the residence, while Darla McKenzie was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where she succumbed to her injuries a short time later.
Based on information from 911 calls and evidence gathered at the scene, investigators quickly identified Johnson as the primary suspect.
He was taken into custody with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Ashville, Steele, Glencoe, and Rainbow City police departments.
Authorities confirmed that Johnson was married to the McKenzies’ daughter, who was present at the home at the time of the shooting and made the 911 call.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for the McKenzie family, and our hearts go out to them,” said Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton. “The loss of loved ones in such a tragic manner is devastating, and we extend our deepest sympathy to their family and friends.”
Sheriff Horton also assured the community that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
“We are committed to ensuring justice is served,” he stated.
The investigation remains active, with multiple agencies assisting in the ongoing case.
Monroe, LA – The Monroe Police Department (MPD) is actively investigating a shooting incident that took place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Hibbett Sports, located in the 2700 block of Louisville Avenue.
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two adult victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Both individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received immediate medical attention at the scene before being transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the altercation originated as a dispute over shoes inside a nearby shopping mall.
The conflict escalated and spilled over into the Hibbett Sports store, where shots were fired.
Investigators have determined that this was not a random act of violence.
According to police, the individuals involved were known to each other, and the shooting stemmed from a physical altercation inside the store.
MPD detectives are actively reviewing surveillance footage, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Monroe Police Department or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
This remains a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge.