Police search for suspect after 2 women found dead in South Knoxville

Knoxville police detectives are searching for a man suspected in a double murder that happened in South Knoxville this weekend.

Police identified the victims as Madison Johnson, 22, of Knoxville, and Heidi Johnson, 20, of Knoxville.

The two women aren't related, explained Heidi Johnson's sister, Cassidy Johnson. Heidi was living with Madison at Madison's mother's house, and Madison was dating the suspect, a 26-year-old Knoxville man.

Heidi often accompanied Madison when she went out, because Madison had a car and a driver's license. The two women frequently visited the suspect at his house, Cassidy Johnson said.

"I want everyone to share this (information) so we can find the person who took two innocent girls away from their families forever," Cassidy Johnson said. "I really just want justice to be served."

Cassidy and Heidi Johnson were just 22 months apart in age and looked so much alike that people thought they were twins, Cassidy said.

Cassidy described her younger sister as "the funniest person I ever met," adding, "She was beautiful. She didn't care what anyone thought of her. No one could put her fire out."

"In life, no one knows you as well as your sibling," she said. "Heidi saw every single part of me."

At around 9 a.m. May 13, officers responded to a call of a domestic disturbance at a home in the 400 block of Woodlawn Pike, a department spokesperson said in a press release. Officers thought an armed suspect could still be inside the home, and crisis negotiators were sent there, the release said.

Negotiators didn't make contact with anybody inside the home, so officers went inside and two women were found dead, the release said. According to the release, the suspect left on foot.

Cassidy Johnson said she had dated the suspect for about a year, saying that while he sometimes showed a violent side, it was never directed at her.

"I don't know what flipped his switch," she said. "We knew him, he was friends with my entire family. It's mind-boggling, really."

A search is under way for the suspect and warrants have been filed for two counts of first-degree murder. Anyone with information is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165 or online at easttnvalleycrimestoppers.org.

Liz Kellar is a public safety reporter. Email [email protected]. Twitter @LizKellar.

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