First-degree murder charges still possible in Precious Doe case

Monday, May 16th 2005, 11:34 am

By: News On 6

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) _ A Missouri prosecutor says the mother and stepfather of a girl whose decapitated body was found four years ago in Kansas City could still face first-degree murder charges in her death.

The comments came after Michelle Johnson and Harrell Johnson of Muskogee were arraigned in Kansas City on charges of second-degree murder of Erica Green.

Prosecutor Michael Sanders says he doesn't have all the reports on the case, but says upgrading the charges to first-degree murder is ``definitely a possibility.''

Erica's headless body was found in April 2001 and she was unidentified and known only as Precious Doe until earlier this month. A tip from an Oklahoma man helped police identify the girl and arrest the Johnson's on May 5th in Muskogee.

Police say Harrell Johnson admitted he was drunk and high on PCP when he kicked the girl in the head over her refusal to go to bed, then left her on the floor to die.

He's jailed without bail while Michelle Johnson is being held on $500,000 bail.