Missing NC mother, 2 young children found murdered in Charlotte, suspect arrested

Markayla Johnson, 22, and her 4-year-old, Miracle Johnson, and 7-month-old, Messiah Johnson, were last seen in the 400 block of Orchard Trace Lane in northeast Charlotte, police said Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article286768075.html#storylink=cpy

A Charlotte woman and her two children, who were reported missing earlier this month, were tragically found slain, as announced by Police Chief Johnny Jennings on Saturday. The discovery came a day after police located human remains believed to be that of the missing family.

The suspect in their killings, Benjamin Joseph Taylor, 35, was apprehended on Saturday near the Mexico border in Imperial County, California, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police confirmed in a case update. Taylor is facing charges of three counts of murder and one count of concealment of death, pending extradition.

Details regarding how Taylor was located have not been disclosed. Chief Jennings emphasized the commitment to bringing justice for the victims, expressing condolences to the grieving family.

The victims were identified as Markayla Johnson, 22, her 4-year-old daughter, Miracle Johnson, and 7-month-old son, Messiah Johnson. Jennings revealed that Taylor had a prior relationship with Markayla Johnson but did not provide specifics about the motive or cause of death.

The Johnson family was last seen in the 400 block of Orchard Trace Lane on March 8, prompting a public appeal for information.

Benjamin Taylor, 34, was located, arrested, and booked around 10:19 p.m. in Imperial County, California, close to the Mexican border

During Saturday's news conference at the apartment complex, emotional family members joined Jennings, mourning the loss of their loved ones. Jennings praised their strength in the face of tragedy, acknowledging the profound difficulty of their situation.

The discovery of remains occurred during a police investigation in the same block on Friday. CMPD crime scene investigators meticulously combed through the second-floor apartment as part of the ongoing investigation.

Jennings expressed the gravity of homicides involving children and families, emphasizing the importance of the ongoing investigation and the need to confirm the victims' identities through the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office.

As authorities continue their efforts to piece together the events leading to the tragic deaths, the community mourns the loss of innocent lives and supports the grieving family during this difficult time.