Felicia Johnson.Photo: The AWARE Foundation
Almost a year afterFelicia Johnsonwas reported missing, the California woman’s possibly dismembered remains were found in Texas — and the man suspected of killing her is still at large, authorities said.
A worker with the Texas Department of Transportation called police around noon on Feb. 7 after discovering possible human bones in an area of the Sam Houston National Forest near Flamingo Lakes and Highway 149, according to apress releasefrom the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
When deputies responded, it was determined that the remains were, in fact, human, and samples were sent for DNA and dental record analysis, the release states.
“It is with a heavy heart that we report dental records have confirmed that the human remains are that of missing person Felicia Johnson of California,” the sheriff’s office said. “Our hearts go out to the Johnson family and friends and we hope this brings them some closure.”
The 24-year-old woman’s father spoke withABC 13after receiving the news.
“The reason why her body has been found is so that she can return to get justice for herself,” Kevin Johnson said, per the outlet. “This is the first piece of the puzzle that is going to allow law enforcement to do their job and bring these guys to justice.”
Police say Johnson was visiting Houston, Texas, from her hometown of San Diego, Calif., last year in search of work,PEOPLE reportedin 2022. While in Houston, she applied for a job at a local exotic dancing venue.
Johnson was reported missing on April 16 of last year after her bloodied cell phone and purse were discovered near a community park, according to apress releasefrom the Houston Police Department.
Detectives later identified Chukwuebuka Nwobodo, 28, as a suspect and charged him last June 9 with murder and tampering with evidence in connection with Johnson’s death.
Chukwuebuka Nwobodo.Houston Police Department
He had previously been taken into custody on May 13, but was released without charges.
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The woman’s DNA was also found in his apartment, the charging documents allege, according to Fox 26.
A search of the suspect’s internet history revealed that he allegedly Googled “how to be a serial killer” and “how does one plan a murder without getting caught,” the documents state, per the outlet.
Johnson was described as a “beautiful young lady” who aspired to work in the hair, makeup and modeling industries, according to aGoFundMe pageset up last year for her family’s traveling expenses.
Anyone with information on Nwobodo’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Houston Police Department Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.
source: people.com
