An Indiana man has been arrested in connection with the gruesome murders of two confidential informants found in the St. Mary’s River.
At a Glance
- Accused drug dealer Dominique Washington, 29, arrested for killing two police informants.
- The bodies were discovered in trash bags in the St. Mary’s River by volunteers.
- Dixon was strangled, while Johnson was shot and stabbed.
- Both victims recently led officers to a narcotics raid in Richmond.
Arrest and Charges
Dominique Washington, 29, from Richmond, Indiana, has been charged with multiple counts, including the murders of 40-year-old Christina Michelle Dixon and 41-year-old Matthew Joseph Johnson. The bodies, discovered in trash bags in the St. Mary’s River, were identified by the Fort Wayne Police Department. Washington faces charges of felony murder, kidnapping, and failure to report the discovery of a body. He is currently detained without bail and will make his first court appearance on Wednesday.
Dixon and Johnson had been working as confidential informants for the Richmond Police Department. Police reports indicate they were lured into Washington’s car, coerced into turning off their phones, and then murdered. Surveillance footage and witness statements helped authorities piece together the sequence of events leading to their deaths.
A man is charged with murdering two police informants and dumping their bodies in the St. Marys River in Fort Wayne. https://t.co/7LYKavGSzl
— WTHR.com (@WTHRcom) September 24, 2024
Details of the Crime
The investigation revealed that Dixon and Johnson played a key role in a recent narcotics raid in Richmond. Their cooperation led officers to significant drug-related arrests, which is believed to have motivated Washington to take deadly action against them. Matthew Johnson was found shot, while Christina Dixon was strangled.
The victims’ bodies were found by a volunteer clean-up crew in the St. Mary’s River. Cellphone data tracked their last movements and contacts, eventually leading police to Washington. Investigators determined the phones were disposed of in a trash can and went off-network after the victims met with Washington.
Police and Community Response
Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families. He emphasized the department’s unwavering commitment to bringing those responsible to justice. An official statement from the police confirmed that they would continue their efforts until every individual involved in these heinous crimes is held accountable.
“Our hearts go out to the families of Christina and Matthew as they endure this tragic loss,” the statement read. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to bring justice to them. This arrest is just one step in ensuring that those responsible for such horrific acts are held accountable. We will continue to work tirelessly alongside our partners to ensure that justice is served. Additional arrests and information will follow, and we will not rest until everyone involved is brought to justice.”
This case has sent shockwaves through the Richmond community and beyond. The brutal slayings underscore the grave dangers faced by those who work closely with law enforcement to uphold the law. Washington’s capture is seen as a critical step, but it is clear that more work is needed to ensure all responsible parties are apprehended and justice is fully served.
