A year after the discovery of Phylicia Barnes' body in the Susquehanna River, and 16 months after her disappearance, Baltimore police said officers have arrested a man in her death.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 4:55:42 PM
Baltimore police and prosecutors are about to begin their press conference.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 4:56:08 PM
Officials preparing to take to the podium.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:01:47 PM
Statement from Mayor Rawlings-Blake on the Arrest Related to the Death of Phylicia Barnes
BALTIMORE, MD. (April 26, 2012) – Today, Mayor Rawlings-Blake issued the following statement about the arrest related to the death of Phylicia Barnes:
“This morning, people throughout Baltimore woke to news of an arrest of a suspect in the death of Phylicia Barnes. We are grateful for the combined efforts of the Baltimore Police Department, Maryland State Police, and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their commitment to solving this tragic crime. We hope that today’s action puts us closer to bringing Phylicia’s killer to justice.
The family of Phylicia Barnes is in our thoughts and prayers today. We hope that the arrest brings a measure of solace to the family as they continue to grieve for their loss.”
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:02:02 PM
Phylicia Barnes
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:03:15 PM
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:04:07 PM
Baltimore City State's Attorney Gregg Bernstein
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:05:57 PM
He's flanked by state and city police.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:06:24 PM
Bernstein: Yesterday afternoon, a Baltimore City grand jury indicted Michael Johnson, 28, of Baltimore, in a one-count indictment charging him with first-degree murder of Phylicia Barnes.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:07:32 PM
Bernstein: (Barnes) went missing on Dec. 28, 2010, and the defendant, Michael Johnson, was the last person to see her alive.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:07:55 PM
Bernstein: The body was subsequently found in the Susquehanna River in April 2011
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:08:10 PM
Bernstein: Johnson was arrested last night. Remains held at Baltimore City Detention Center awaiting a hearing, possibly tomorrow
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:08:30 PM
Bernstein: As I have often said, public safety really cannot be accomplished without a coop and collaboration effort by all our law enforcement. This case is a textbook example of that collaboration.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:09:07 PM
Bernstein: An indictment is not a statement of guilt, it's an allegation.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:09:36 PM
Bernstein: The Maryland State Police stepped in when (Barnes' body was found) in Harford County to assist us. It is through their investigative efforts that we we able to continue the investigation.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:10:42 PM
Bernstein: There are so many people in the Baltimore police homicide department that we'd be here all day if I were to name them. They know who they are.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:11:02 PM
Bernstein also thanking the FBI.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:11:07 PM
Bernstein gives thanks to Harford County State's Attorney Joseph Cassily.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:11:21 PM
Bernstein taking questions.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:11:38 PM
Bernstein: Like in all homicide cases ... we want to be very deliberate and thorough in our investigation before ... going to a grand jury.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 4/26/2012 5:12:18 PM
