Commonwealth's Attorney

NEWPORT NEWS, VA –  Today officials announce an arrest in the case of 34-year-old Keir Johnson and her 8-month-old daughter Chloe Johnson. The last time either were seen or heard from was the afternoon of Sunday, April 30, 2017.

On Friday, February 14, 2025, the investigation led to the arrest of Mr. Carlos A Johnson, Jr., a 46-year-old Newport News man. He was taken into custody in Newport News at approximately 12:30 p.m. and charged with two counts of First Degree Murder. Johnson is scheduled for arraignment tomorrow, Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

“My heart goes out to the family of Keir and Chloe Johnson. This arrest is the result of years of determined investigative work, and I commend our law enforcement partners in Newport News for their unwavering commitment in collaboration with my office. While nothing can bring back the lives lost, we remain steadfast in our duty to see justice served in the courtroom. My attorneys working the case with the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office will seek accountability and secure justice for Keir and Chloe,” said Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares.

“We have not forgotten Keir and Chloe Johnson, and today’s announcement marks a new phase of our work to get justice for them in court. We sincerely appreciate the collaborative efforts of Virginia Attorney General Miyares and the Newport News Police Department on this important case,” said Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney Howard Gwynn.

“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. 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. We have consistently asked the Johnson family for their patience throughout this process, and we understand the emotional toll this has taken on them. I want to assure them and the community that our investigators, including the members of our Cold Case Team, have never wavered in their commitment to solving this case. The outcome of this case will now be determined in a court of law. I am immensely proud of the tireless efforts of our detectives, who have worked diligently to bring us to this point. At the Newport News Police Department, we continue to keep the entire Johnson family in our thoughts and prayers,” said Newport News Chief of Police Steve Drew.

The investigation is ongoing, and this office will make no further comment in order to protect the integrity of the upcoming trial.

If you have information regarding this case, contact the Newport News Police Department.