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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.