An accused drug dealer in Indiana faces murder charges for allegedly killing two police informants and dumping their bodies in a river.
At a Glance
- Dominique Washington, 29, arrested for murders of Christina Dixon, 40, and Matthew Johnson, 41
- Victims’ bodies found in trash bags in St. Mary’s River, Fort Wayne
- Dixon and Johnson were police informants who led to recent drug bust
- Washington charged with murder, kidnapping, and failure to report bodies
- First court appearance scheduled for Wednesday
Gruesome Discovery Leads to Arrest
In a shocking turn of events, the bodies of two police informants were discovered in trash bags in the St. Mary’s River near Fort Wayne, Indiana. The grim find, made by a volunteer clean-up crew, has led to the arrest of Dominique Washington, a 29-year-old man from Richmond, Indiana. Washington now faces multiple charges, including murder, in connection with the deaths of Christina Michelle Dixon, 40, and Matthew Joseph Johnson, 41.
The victims, both from Connersville, were identified as confidential informants who had recently assisted law enforcement in a significant drug bust in Richmond. This cooperation is believed to be the motive behind their brutal killings. According to court documents, Johnson had been shot, while Dixon was strangled and suffocated.
Alleged Plot Unravels
Investigators pieced together the events leading to the murders through cellphone data and surveillance footage. It is believed that Washington lured Dixon and Johnson into his vehicle under false pretenses. Once inside, he allegedly forced them to dispose of their cell phones, effectively cutting off their communication with the outside world. The discarded phones were later recovered from a trash can, providing crucial evidence in the case.
“The pair recently led officers to a large drug bust in Richmond, according to police.”
Following the murders, Washington allegedly transported the victims’ bodies approximately 100 miles to Fort Wayne, where he disposed of them in the St. Mary’s River. The discovery of the bodies by volunteers participating in a river clean-up effort sent shockwaves through the community and sparked an intensive investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Police Response
Washington was arrested after police executed a search warrant in Richmond, located about 73 miles east of Indianapolis. He is currently being held without bond and faces multiple serious charges, including four counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping, and failure to report the discovery of a dead body. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday morning in Richmond.
“Our hearts go out to the families of Christina and Matthew as they endure this tragic loss,” the statement obtained by WTHR read. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to bring justice to them. This arrest is just one step in ensuring that those responsible for such horrific acts are held accountable. We will continue to work tirelessly alongside our partners to ensure that justice is served. Additional arrest and information will follow, and we will not rest until everyone involved is brought to justice.”
Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly expressed the department’s commitment to bringing justice to the victims’ families. In a statement, he indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that additional arrests and information may follow. The police are determined to hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions in this heinous crime.
A man is charged with murdering two police informants and dumping their bodies in the St. Marys River in Fort Wayne. https://t.co/7LYKavGSzl
— WTHR.com (@WTHRcom) September 24, 2024
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The murders of Dixon and Johnson have sent ripples through the law enforcement community and raised concerns about the safety of confidential informants. This case highlights the dangerous nature of undercover work in combating drug-related crimes and the potential risks faced by those who cooperate with law enforcement.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. The community’s cooperation will be crucial in ensuring that all aspects of this crime are thoroughly examined and that justice is served for Christina Dixon and Matthew Johnson.
