Juveniles arrested in teacher's slaying

DENVER (AP) -- Three teenage boys have been arrested in the killing of a Denver middle school teacher who was found in a pool<br>of blood on the back patio of her home.<br><br>"It looks like a theft or

Wednesday, January 12th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DENVER (AP) -- Three teenage boys have been arrested in the killing of a Denver middle school teacher who was found in a pool
of blood on the back patio of her home.

"It looks like a theft or a burglary," said Detective Steve Schott. "Right now that's what we're looking at as a primary motive."

One of two 16-year-olds taken into custody Tuesday was a student at Skinner Middle School, but was not in Emily Johnson's class,
according to Denver Public Schools spokeswoman Amy Hudson.

The other 16-year-old was not enrolled in the school district.

The third boy is a 14-year-old who was enrolled in a Denver public school but has been out of the district since October, Ms.
Hudson said. Their names were not released because they are juveniles.

"I'm devastated beyond all my logical thinking that one of my students could have been involved," said Skinner Principal Don
Manzanares.

Ms. Johnson was found on the morning of Jan. 1, suffering from blunt force trauma. She died in the hospital the following evening.

The three juveniles have been taken to a youth detention center. Authorities have yet to charge them.