South Kingstown Man Charged With Murder Of Wife

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — South Kingstown police identified a man they said killed his wife at their home on Wednesday morning.

Keith B. Johnson, 62, of South Kingstown, was charged with first-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to the death of his wife, Gina L. Johnson, 59.

"I want to share our condolences with the loved ones of Ms. Johnson," Police Chief Matthew Moynihan said. "I also want to commend our officers for their outstanding work today. Our officers responded quickly to a dangerous situation, and I appreciate their quick thinking, thorough investigative work, and professional actions."

Police said they were called to a Dam Street home around 9:30 a.m., where they found Gina Johnson unresponsive. She was later pronounced dead.

About 20 minutes earlier, police received a call about a suspicious man running through people's backyards. Officers eventually found Keith Johnson on Church Street. When officers approached Keith Johnson, he was waving two large knives, according to police.

Police said they tried to deescalate the situation, but Keith Johnson refused their commands. Officers had to use a stun gun on Keith Johnson to bring him into custody.

"I want to thank the Rhode Island State Police and the [RI] Office of the Attorney General for their
assistance," Moynihan said. "We have a collaborative law enforcement community in Rhode Island, and I appreciate everyone’s good work today."

South Kingstown police said there is no threat to the public.

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