Augusta community shocked after two teenagers arrested for murder

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – “Too close to home.” That is the first reaction in the Augusta community after the arrest of two 14-year-old girls for murder in the death of a 93-year-old woman almost a year ago.

Joanne Johnson, known to many as “Jojo,” was found dead in her home over Labor Day weekend last year. Augusta business owner Shane Scott said he knows the Johnson family and, like many others, is shocked by what happened in the small Butler County town.

“People in our community are hurting, we're hurting,” Scott said. “And when they grieve, we grieve. And right now, the city is grieving for everyone who's been affected.”

The police have not released the names the two teenagers arrested for the premeditated murder of JohnsonAugusta Mayor Mike Rawlings said news of the arrests spread quickly on social media.

“In this city, everyone knows about a crime, especially a murder, within a few hours. So it was heartbreaking and sickening,” Rawlings said.

Scott said that while this tragedy has shocked the city, he wants everyone to understand that this heinous crime is not a reflection of the Augusta community.

“We will recover from this. And our city will love each other, and we will come together and return to the close-knit, safe city we have always been,” he said.

While the investigation into the case continues, questions, including the motive for the violent crime, remain unanswered.

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