Johnson Pleads Guilty in Del Ray Murder Case

Marie Maybell Johnson pleaded guilty Thursday in Alexandria Circuit Court to second-degree murder and attempted arson in connection to the Feb. 13 homicide of Elmer Roehrs in his Del Ray home.

Johnson, 45 and of no fixed address, also entered a guilty plea to a separate burglary charge from Nov. 27, 2012 at Roehrs’ residence on Holly Street.

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In exchange for her plea, prosecuting attorneys dismissed charges of larceny in relation to a computer taken during the burglary and destruction of property in relation to the murder.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Randy Sengel, who prosecuted the case with Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Cathryn Evans, said Roehrs, 94, died as a result of blunt and sharp force injuries to his head and chest, including a stab wound that punctured his heart.

Sengel told the court that an investigation by a fire marshal suggested three unsuccessful attempts by Johnson to start a fire at Roehrs’ home. She was captured on a surveillance camera entering Roehrs’ residence on Feb. 13 at 1:45 p.m. and leaving at 2:19 p.m. She was further linked to the scene through DNA analysis.

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The home has a history of break-ins and Roehrs and his family installed cameras at the house after it became a frequent target.

Johnson will be sentenced on Aug. 22. She faces a maximum of 70 years in prison related to the three charges.

For additional Patch stories on this murder and investigation, see:

• Grand Jury Indicts Johnson in Del Ray Murder Case
• More Details Emerge in Del Ray Murder Investigation
• Johnson Likely to Be Charged in Roehrs' Murder
• Roehrs’ Death Ruled a Homicide
• Victim in Suspicious Death Identified as Elmer Roehrs
• Alexandria Police Investigate Suspicious Death in Holly Street Home