Suspect In Murders Of West Jordan Couple Arrested In California

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A suspect in the murders of a West Jordan couple has been arrested in California after several days of searching, authorities said.

According to the West Jordan Police Department, Albert Enoch Johnson was arrested early Wednesday in Stockton.

Utah double murder suspect Albert Johnson arrested in California and booked into jail at San Joaquin County Jail. Getting an update from police and will have the very latest info on @KSL5TV at noon. pic.twitter.com/b9OighKMJW

— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaKSL) April 22, 2020

Victims Tony Butterfield, 31, and his wife Katherine Butterfield, 30, were found dead at their home in the area of 6900 South and 3200 West in West Jordan April 18. Officials said three children, who were all younger than 4, were in the home at the time. They were unharmed.

West Jordan Police Sgt. JC Holt said the department has been working with the U.S. Marshals Office exclusively on this case.

Authorities received tips that Johnson was headed to California, where it’s believed he has connections.

“It’s obvious that he has some injuries to his face,” Holt said. “Just to let you know how the arrest went down, Mr. Johnson did try to evade officers. He tried to escape officers, and he did resist arrest. We regret he made that decision. However, we are grateful no officers were injured and he is safely in custody.”

Officers from the WJPD are currently traveling to Stockton to question Johnson.

One of the first items of business will be to recover Johnson’s vehicle and bring it back to Utah for processing and evidence. They will also speak with him in hopes of getting some answers for the Butterfield’s family members.

Johnson is expected to appear in court in California around 1:15 p.m. Monday, April 27.

Officials with the West Jordan Police Department confirmed detectives will meet with California authorities to make extradition arrangements.

Officials have not released a possible motive, but they did say Johnson was known to the Butterfields. Police declined to release further details on the relationship.

Mr. Johnson was taken into custody early this morning in the Sacramento CA area. We appreciate the assistance from allied law enforcement authorities and the US Marshals Service in assisting with his apprehension. PIO will be avail for sound after 11am for further updates. pic.twitter.com/aQdvlxoDMA

— West Jordan Police Dept. (@WJPD_PIO) April 22, 2020

Police responded to the Butterfield’s residence on April 18 after a woman called 911 and said she heard gunshots and a woman screaming.

Holt said Tony Butterfield was discovered deceased in the back yard, and that he had sustained at least one gunshot wound. Katherine Butterfield was discovered deceased inside the home, also with gunshot wounds.

Albert Johnson’s wife, 29-year-old Sina Johnson, was arrested on April 20 on charges of obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence.

Officers said Sina Johnson withheld the whereabouts of her husband and “falsified her recounts of what occurred and her involvement.”

Albert Johnson will be extradited to Utah, authorities said, where his case will be in the hands of the district attorney’s office.

Officials said the suggested charges are two counts of aggravated murder.

We have reaction to the arrest of the man accused of killing the West Jordan couple.. joins us at @KSL5TV at 6 pic.twitter.com/OEQL13JE18

— Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) April 22, 2020

A makeshift memorial was set up in front of the Butterfield’s home. Friends and neighbors dropped off flowers, cards, ribbons and balloons all throughout the day Wednesday.

Many of them said they were glad to hear that the suspect was caught and now behind bars.

“It brought a lot of relief and peace to know that we really don’t have to worry about [him],” said Cherish Sosi as she and her brother dropped off balloons and flowers. “For something like this, it’s horrible — we never think it would happen in our neighborhood.”

“Hits very close to home,” said her brother, Auro Sosi. “It’s so heartbreaking and sad, but angry at the same time. [Tony] was a man of great faith of great dedication. Loved his family.”

Neighbor Judy Heraldson fought back emotions as she talked about the couple.

“They were such a good family, I’m just hurt so much they are gone. They are gone from my life,” she said. “I’m very happy they caught the suspect.”

 

Shauntae Richards, Katherine’s friend since childhood, said that during this difficult time, Katherine and Tony would want them to hold onto their faith.

“She would not want any of us to be sad right now, and she would want all of us to know how much she loves her children, and the gospel of Jesus Christ, and how much the Savior meant to her,” said Richards.