The summary of ‘Crime Line Cold Case Files – Denise Johnson Case’

00:00:00

In this part of the video, the focus is on the history and impact of several brutal murders that took place in Dare County during the 1990s, which disrupted the peaceful reputation of the resort communities. It highlights three specific cases:

1. In 1991, Michael Dial decapitated his girlfriend, Brenda Doer, and attempted to hide the crime.
2. In 1995, Douglas Mont killed his three children at Wright Memorial Airport before committing suicide as officers were about to arrest him.
3. The 1997 unsolved murder of Denise Johnson, a well-known and amiable local woman, which has cast a lasting shadow over the community.

Denise Johnson was remembered by her sister Donnie as a vibrant person who loved animals, had a large social circle, and could uplift anyone with her smile. The narrative also includes personal reflections on their upbringing in Kill Devil Hills, emphasizing a time when the area was much less developed than it is today.

00:03:00

In this part of the video, the speaker shares fond memories of Denise, highlighting her love for the ocean, animals, and physical activities. Denise learned to swim when her dad threw her into the ocean at a young age, fostering her love for swimming and beach activities with her dog. Passionate about animals, Denise aspired to be a veterinarian and cared for many pets, especially cats, despite her fear of mice. After high school, she moved to Florida but returned home to care for her ill mother, ultimately inheriting and living in her mother’s cottage. Denise had tight-knit friendships, engaged in sports, and maintained a strong physical fitness routine. She was also very particular about her appearance, always wanting to look perfect.

00:06:00

In this part of the video, an individual recalls how Denise, who was always meticulous about her appearance and made others feel beautiful, took extra care to style their hair for their wedding, creating a memorable and touching moment. The narrative then shifts to the early morning hours of July 13, 1997, when a 911 call reported smoke from a residence on Norick Street in Kevil Hills. Patrolman Mark Evans (now a Captain) and firefighter Glenn Rainey (now Deputy Chief) were among the first responders. Initially treating it as a routine call, the situation quickly escalated upon seeing smoke and flames. Both responders prepared for the worst as they approached the scene, with Evans focusing on assisting the fire department and life-saving measures.

00:09:00

In this segment of the video, the narrator describes responding to a fire at a house where they discovered two separate fires in the living room. After extinguishing the fires, they conducted a search to ensure no one was inside. They found a young woman, Denise, lying on the bathroom floor with severe injuries incompatible with life, likely caused by more than just the fire. Despite attempts at CPR, it was clear she had died from possible stab or gunshot wounds. The discovery prompted them to call for Central Homicide and request the on-call detective, indicating it was a suspicious death. Other firefighters and law enforcement continued their duties inside and outside the house, ensuring the scene was managed properly.

00:12:00

In this part of the video, Detective Sergeant Jim Mulford discusses his involvement in the Denise Johnson murder investigation. Initially called to what he thought was a routine arson case, Sergeant Mulford quickly discovered it was also a homicide. He briefly outlines his law enforcement background and details his actions on the morning of July 13th, including coordinating with the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). When SBI agent Barnell arrived, it became apparent they needed a crime scene technician. Despite being on vacation, Dennis Honeycut, a highly respected crime scene technician with the SBI, joined the investigation, ensuring thorough and professional handling of the crime scene. This part emphasizes the collaborative and dedicated effort among law enforcement to address the dual nature of the case involving both murder and arson.

00:15:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the initial investigation into Denise Johnson’s murder and arson. Initially, it seemed like an easy case since Denise was well-known and investigators believed they could quickly identify her last contacts. However, after a few days, progress stagnated as no solid suspects emerged. The autopsy revealed Denise died from knife-inflicted trauma and smoke inhalation. Despite prioritizing the case and utilizing all available resources, leads eventually dried up. Even consultation with the FBI and a group of psychics didn’t uncover new insights. Investigators followed up on every possible lead, but as time went on, they struggled to make significant headway.

00:18:00

In this segment, the speaker reflects on the aftermath of Denise Johnson’s tragic murder and its impact on her community. Denise was well-liked and known, making her death a shock to her friends and neighbors who couldn’t fathom such an event in their safe environment. The community, including her family, was frustrated by the lack of answers and actively engaged with the police, even offering rewards for information. The speaker believes Denise’s friendly nature led her to trust someone that night, resulting in her untimely death. Additionally, Denise’s sister, Donnie Johnson, recounts the emotional devastation upon learning of her sister’s murder, contrasting the initial thoughts of a car accident with the harsh reality of her being deliberately killed. The family, in their grief, had to sell and renovate the cottage where Denise was last seen, symbolizing a poignant closure to her memory.

00:21:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker reflects on a sun symbol placed on a house to honor Denise, who was affectionately known for her sunny disposition. The speaker expresses gratitude towards the person who did this as a tribute to Denise. The discussion then turns somber, recounting how Denise’s brutal and undeserved murder cast a shadow over many cherished memories. The emphasis is on the cruelty of her death and the pain it brought to her family. The narrative then shifts to the importance of time in criminal investigations, highlighting how the passage of time can turn from an enemy into an ally as relationships evolve and people become more willing to share information. The speaker makes a heartfelt plea for anyone with information about Denise’s case to come forward, noting that even small details can be crucial.

00:24:00

In this part of the video, John Toler from the Kill Devil Hills Police Department addresses the community regarding a 15-year-old unsolved case. He emphasizes the importance of public assistance in solving the case and reassures potential informants that their anonymity will be protected. Toler expresses hope that new DNA technology might eventually match a suspect and encourages anyone with information to come forward, even if they believe it is not relevant. He provides contacts for Crimeline for anonymous tips and reassures that cooperation with the police can ensure the informant’s safety.