McMinn husband arrested for shooting his wife

ATHENS, Tennessee (WDEF) – McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy confirms the arrest of a man for killing his wife two weeks ago.

Deputies found the body of Debbie Johnson on the front porch of a home on County Road 312 near Sweetwater.

She had been shot.

“The officers were familiar with this residence and this family,” said Sheriff Guy. “Unfortunately, we had been there before due to threats and domestic violence issues with Mrs Johnson’s husband, James Coy “Jay” Johnson.”

They arrested him last year for the assault but he only got two years of probation.

They learned that the husband had been at the home earlier in the day and neighbors heard a shot.

But no one reported it saying gunshots were common at the house.

The next day, James Johnson was in a Georgia jail.

“Just after 9pm on Thursday, our detectives were contacted by the West Point, Georgia Police Department who said they had Mr. Johnson in custody on several charges, including DUI,” said Sheriff Guy. “A hold was placed on Mr. Johnson and the extradition process was begun, in order for him to be brought back to McMinn County and face the charges for Murder in the First Degree, which is expected to occur within a few days.”

“Tragic domestic violence incidents like this affect every community,” added Detective Sgt Jared Price. “We hope that anyone affected by or is a victim of domestic abuse will reach out to local law enforcement for assistance or referral or support agencies.”