A Georgia couple was found shot to death in Alabama last week, and their son-in-law has been charged with their murders.
The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office said it was called to a home on Tuesday and found Michael McKenzie, 72, and Darla McKenzie, 68, with gunshot wounds, the Gadsden Times reported. Michael McKenzie was pronounced dead at the scene, and his wife died shortly after arriving at a Birminghamd hospital.
Deputies quickly determined their suspect was Christopher Scott Johnson, the 38-year-old husband of the McKenzies’ daughter. They said information from the 911 and evidence found at the scene of the shooting helped identify him.
Police from Ashville, Glencoe, Rainbow City, and Steele then helped the sheriff’s office find Johnson and bring him into custody.
Sheriff Jonathon Horton said that Johnson and the McKenzies’ daughter lived at the home where the shooting took place, and the couple was visiting from their home in Roswell, Georgia.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for the McKenzie family, and our hearts go out to them,” Horton said. “The loss of loved ones in such a tragic manner is devastating, and we extend our deepest sympathy to their family and friends. To the Etowah County community, I want to assure you that we are committed to ensuring justice is served, and there is no threat to your safety.”
Johnson has been charged with capital murder, the Atlanta Journal Constitution said.
Darla McKenzie was a former partner with the Atlanta law firm Morris, Manning and Martin, specializing in real estate development and finance, the news paper said. She graduated from Emory University’s College of Law in 1980. Michael McKenzie was a defensive back with the Georgia Tech football team from 1970 to 1974.
