News Summary
After eight years of investigation into the disappearance of Keir Johnson and her daughter Chloe, prosecutors have charged Carlos Andrew Johnson Jr. with their murders. This case marks a significant development as it is only the second instance in Newport News where murder charges have been filed without the victims’ bodies being found. Following a preliminary hearing, the charges against Johnson have been certified for a grand jury review, with proceedings expected to continue into trial. The community remains hopeful for justice.
Newport News, VA – After eight years of investigation into the disappearance of 34-year-old Keir Johnson and her 8-month-old daughter, Chloe, crucial developments have emerged in their double-murder case. Newport News prosecutors arrested Carlos Andrew Johnson Jr., 47, the chief suspect and Keir’s former boyfriend, in February 2025, charging him with two counts of first-degree murder. This case is notable as it represents only the second time in Newport News that murder charges have been filed without the discovery of victims’ bodies.
During a recent preliminary hearing, the judge found enough probable cause to advance the case against Johnson, certifying the charges to a grand jury scheduled for early September 2025. If indicted, Johnson’s case will move forward to trial.
Keir Johnson and her daughter went missing on April 30, 2017, after being last cited heading towards Buckroe Beach in Hampton. They left their residence around 2:30 p.m., but never returned. Hours later, Keir’s mother made a public plea for information regarding her daughter and granddaughter, while investigators began piecing together the timeline leading to their disappearance.
Previous to the disappearance, Keir and Carlos had several documented disputes, including a fight at their workplace, Smithfield Packing. Tensions escalated between the two after Keir became pregnant in 2016, which led Carlos to urge her to consider abortion. Following Chloe’s birth in August 2016, Carlos reportedly refused to pay child support, leading to further conflict. His doubts about paternity over Chloe persisted despite tests confirming he was indeed the father.
On the day of their vanishing, Keir made a call to a friend at 3:31 p.m., assuring her she would arrive shortly. This was the last known communication from her phone, which subsequently lost network contact at around 4:37 p.m. GPS data indicated that Keir and Chloe were at Carlos’s home shortly after leaving theirs.
Investigators uncovered concerning information about Carlos’s online searches two months prior to the disappearances, which included phrases related to “accidental baby deaths,” “can rat poison kill you,” and “how much rat poison is needed to kill a human.” His searches extended to topics regarding the responsibilities of fatherhood and child support obligations, hinting at a troubled state of mind before the tragic events.
Later that same day, Carlos was seen on surveillance footage purchasing new clothing at a Walmart in Suffolk. Witnesses reported he attempted to sell a new-looking couch and instructed others to turn off their mobile devices, acting suspiciously. Investigators found Carlos attempting to access the trunk of Keir’s car multiple times the night of their disappearance.
Authorities discovered the abandoned vehicle weeks later. During a search of Carlos’s residence, they found blood matching Keir’s DNA under the carpet, further implicating him in the case. Carlos is currently detained at the Newport News City Jail while awaiting his trial.
The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the hardships faced by Keir’s family, who have been searching for answers since their disappearance. Keir’s mother has continued to advocate for her daughter and granddaughter, urging the community to aid in their recovery. As the case gears up for the grand jury and potential trial, those following the case remain hopeful for resolution and justice in a long and painful chapter for the Newport News community.
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now: Unsolved Murder Case
- Wavy: Preliminary Hearing for Carlos Johnson Jr.
- Pilot Online: Double Murder Case Update
- WTKR: Man Charged with Murder
- 13 News Now: Man Pleads in Infant’s Death
- Wikipedia: Murder
- Google Search: Newport News murder case
- Google Scholar: Legal Proceedings in Murder Cases
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- Google News: Newport News crime
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
