Grisly New Details in Dad, Daughter Deaths

Regina Johnson called out "Mama" as she was led out of the courtroom by deputies

A woman accused in the killing of her husband and daughter cried out "Mama" as she was led out of a downtown courtroom Wednesday.

Regina Johnson, 55, pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder for the shooting deaths of her husband Reuben Johnson and the couple’s daughter Aaliyah Johnson.

The double homicide was discovered after Regina Johnson called an out-of-state relative Saturday to report the deaths inside the Lomas del Cerro apartment on Navajo Road.

Aaliyah Johnson, 14, was a freshman at West Hills High School in Santee. Reuben Johnson, 56, was a retired Navy veteran who had been working as a security guard.

New details in the homicide were revealed at the court hearing.

Reuben Johnson had been shot twice – once in the torso and once in the head according to Deputy District Attorney Claudine Ruiz.

Aaliyah Johnson was found lying face down on her bedroom with a single gunshot wound to her head the prosecutor said.

"Officers did find a 9mm handgun at the crime scene and it appears that both the victims were in a state of decomposition at the time," Ruiz said.

Police say Regina Johnson stayed with the bodies for three days before reporting the deaths. Investigators have not identified a motive in the shootings.

Regina Johnson’s mother could be seen seated in the courtroom, in tears through much of the hearing.

As deputies led Regina Johnson from the courtroom she cried out "Mama." 

The judge ordered the defendant be held without bail. 

Follow NBCSanDiego for the latest news, weather, and events: iPad App | iPhone App | Android App | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | RSS | Text Alerts | Email Alerts

Contact Us