CAPE CORAL, FL – A Cape Coral man is facing a second-degree murder charge after authorities say he brutally killed his mother, capping months of escalating violence and failed efforts to protect her. Police arrested 28-year-old Devin Johnson Tuesday night after a dramatic confrontation with deputies in neighboring Collier County.
The victim, 69-year-old Rosemary Johnson, was found dead in her home after family members grew concerned when she could not be reached. Police say Rosemary suffered multiple stab wounds to her head and neck. The grisly discovery came just months after she secured a court order seeking protection from her son, following a series of violent incidents earlier this year.
Authorities say blood evidence on Devin Johnson’s shoes and throughout his car linked him to the Cape Coral slaying. After attempting a traffic stop, deputies say Johnson tried to evade capture, leading to a foot pursuit. Officers used a police canine to subdue him during his arrest. According to investigators, Johnson resisted heavily, allegedly striking the canine and attempting to take an officer’s firearm during the scuffle.
Court filings and police records reveal a troubled relationship between Devin Johnson and his mother, complicated by his reported struggles with mental illness, specifically schizophrenia. Documents detail that Rosemary Johnson previously accused her son of attacking her multiple times, including a January incident in which she said he punched her in the head, and a March incident where he allegedly grabbed and bruised her arms and spit in her face.
In her petition for protection, Rosemary Johnson described living in fear, recounting episodes where she felt unsafe in her own home. One incident outlined in court documents recounted how Devin allegedly cut power to the house, leaving Rosemary trapped in a power recliner and unable to call for help after her mobile phone was smashed and her walker was thrown across the room.
Despite pressing charges and Johnson spending time in jail early in the year, the violence reportedly continued. At times, Rosemary Johnson sought refuge at her daughter’s home, citing her son’s unpredictable behavior and untreated mental health symptoms as reasons she could not remain at her own address.
Police reports also indicate that Devin Johnson was listed as a “missing endangered person” in the months leading up to the homicide, due to concerns about his mental health, off-medication status, and growing aggression. Family members told officers that Devin struggled with substance abuse and was unable to maintain employment.
The chain of events on Tuesday began when Rosemary’s family could not reach her and went to check on her well-being. Upon entering the home, they observed bloody footprints and ultimately discovered her body. Police responded quickly, and a multi-county manhunt ensued for Devin Johnson, leading to his capture in Collier County after a confrontation with deputies.
Authorities say the motive for the killing remains unclear. Cape Coral Police have underscored the tragic nature of the case, citing repeated efforts by Rosemary Johnson to seek help and protection in her final months.
Devin Johnson is currently in custody at the Collier County jail as he awaits his court appearance on charges related to his mother’s slaying. The investigation remains active as both Cape Coral and Collier County authorities examine the circumstances leading up to the fatal attack.