Man found guilty of murdering girlfriend’s son in 2021

A jury, on Wednedsay, found a man guilty of murdering his girlfriend’s teenaged son in Richmond County boy in 2021.

Joseph Carroll was accused of killing 15-year-old Casey Johnson, in January 2021, prosecutors said.

Doctors said Casey’s head injury was so severe it was comparable to what would happen in a car crash.

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Court documents also show investigators found evidence of ongoing physical abuse in the home. Casey’s mother, Michelle Johnson, is also charged with his murder.

Carroll was sentenced to life in prison.

Casey’s family said Wednesday the case took too long but were glad justice was finally served.

They said his sisters can live free, knowing the man who abused them and killed their brother will be locked up for life.

Casey’s sisters were all smiles outside the Richmond County courthouse and hugged the district attorney who helped keep Carroll behind bars.

“Until today, nobody believed them,” said Bryan Jefferson, family member. “The stories were so outrageous, they were told don’t tell people, that it makes them uncomfortable. It validated (that) the system listened them. Imagine the weight that has taken off them.”

Bryan and Jennifer Jefferson, Casey’s uncle and aunt, are the girls’ guardians.

Jennifer Jefferson said Carroll’s conviction means closure, which is one she believes Casey would be happy with.

“I think, because (Casey) was such a protector of his sisters, that knowing how they are right now, and how safe and loved and protected they are ... that it wasn’t for nothing and he got his sisters out of there,” she said.

The Jeffersons said they are not at a place where they can forgiven Casey’s mother, Michelle Johnson, who admitted in court that she was involved. However, they said they are trying to be kind unlike Carroll who showed no remorse when the jury found him guilty of beating Casey to death and abusing the teen’s sisters.

“You are proving exactly who you are,” Jennifer Jefferson said about Carroll.

The Jeffersons also expressed frustration with the Department of Social Services for its lack of action on complaints from neighbors and the long process to get the girls in their custody.

District Attorney Jamie Adams said the case is proof that DSS needs to take another look at its policies.

“Prior to this, I don’t think there wasn’t a huge emphasis on protecting our children and that’s something we really need to do, and prioritize as we go forward,” Adams said.

Casey’s family members want the teen to be remembered as a brave boy who loved his family.

Casey protected his sisters no matter what it took, family members said.

He never had a funeral, and the family said it took a while to get his ashes.

His sisters are ready to plan a proper memorial for him.

Casey’s mother was offered a plea deal in exchange for testifying.

Her murder charge could be downgraded to accessory after the fact. She would spend a minimum eight years in prison.

VIDEO: Mom, boyfriend accused of killing Rockingham 15-year-old face judge

Mom, boyfriend accused of killing Rockingham 15-year-old face judge