Dwight K. Scroggins, Jr., Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney, today filed the following charges against Joseph Sean Johnson following his certification to stand trial as an adult: Count 1 - First Degree Murder or in the alternative Second Degree Murder to the death of James Johnson; Count 2 - First Degree Murder or in the alternative Second Degree Murder to the death of Beverly Johnson. All charges are Class A Felonies.
Murder in the First Degree carries a penalty of life imprisonment without parole. Murder in the Second Degree carries a penalty of 10-30 years or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole until after 85% of any sentence ordered has been served.