Ex-Boyfriend of Sister Arrested, Indicted in Murder of Teenager Phylicia Barnes

By Alicia Cruz
The Black Urban Times

Michael Johnson, 28, the former boyfriend of the older sister of a teen found dead in Maryland last year has learned that a Baltimore grand jury indicted him on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of 16-year-old  Phylicia Barnes.

 Barnes, of Monroe, North Carolina, who was planing to attend Towson University after high school, was visiting family in the Baltimore area when she suddenly disappeared in December 2010. Barnes' sister had been dating Johnson for 10 years and had ended their relationship just before her little sister vanished days after the Christmas holidays.

Johnson was questioned by police at least eight times prior to his arrest as he was the last person reported to be seen with Barnes as she headed to a local shopping plaza near her sister, Deena Barnes' apartment.

According to Wikipedia.com, following a short feature on America's Most Wanted in January, police, family and friends renewed efforts to locate the young teenager. Billboards were erected alongside major highways asking for clues and a reward in excess of $30,00 was also offered.

WSOC-TV Charlotte reported that three months after Barnes' disappearance, her sister was attempting to obtain a restraining order against Johnson who was arrested outside of his home as he left for work Wednesday evening. According to the statement, members of the Warrant Apprehension Task Force searched the home of Johnson's girlfriend before placing him under arrest just after 11:00 pm Wednesday, The Huffignton Post reported. The Grand Jury voted to indict Johnson on a First Degree murder charge earlier in the day.

Officials say he will have a first court appearance today. According to his lawyer, he feels police rushed to judgement and added that Johnson maintains his innocence in the crime, WBTV.com reported.

Family members of the straight A student rejoiced after learning of Johnson's arrest and indictment. They suspected he was involved with her murder for months. Her father, Russell Barnes posted a statement to his Facebook page Wednesday night that read, "Thank you Lord for the victory! J-4-P-S-B (Justice For Phylicia Simone Barnes)."

Russell Barnes told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that the arrest was "bittersweet" and that he and Phylicia could rest better. Phylicia Barnes was an honor student at Union Academy, a public charter school in Monroe, North Carolina approximately 30 minutes from Charlotte. The young student was scheduled to graduate early before she was murdered.

Good Morning America Coverage on Phylicia Barnes' Death
Courtesy AJC.com