News Summary
Benjamin Joseph Taylor is set to stand trial for the murders of Markayla Johnson and her two children, Miracle and Messiah. Facing multiple charges, Taylor rejected a plea deal that would have provided a lesser sentence. Autopsy results indicated drug-related fatalities, heightening community concerns about violent crime and drug abuse. As the trial approaches, attention remains on the legal proceedings and the impact on affected families.
Charlotte, North Carolina – A trial is scheduled for Benjamin Joseph Taylor, a 35-year-old man charged with the murders of Markayla Johnson, 22, and her two children, Miracle Johnson, 4, and Messiah Johnson, 7 months. Taylor faces three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of concealment of an unnatural death, along with one count of habitual felon. The trial is set to commence on December 31, 2024.
At his arraignment in Mecklenburg Superior Court, Taylor rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors, which would have sentenced him to between 38 to 47 years in prison. In this deal, he was asked to plead guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and concealment of an unnatural death. That plea would have brought a potential sentence of up to 560 months, which Taylor also declined.
Autopsy reports revealed that Johnson and her children died from fentanyl poisoning. The reports further indicated the presence of additional drugs in their systems, including cocaine and Benadryl, specifically in the case of the youngest child, Messiah.
The investigation leading to Taylor’s arrest began when the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) reported Johnson and her children missing in early March 2024. Family members alerted authorities after receiving suspicious text messages purportedly from Johnson, which raised concerns about her safety. Following a health and wellness check initiated by local authorities, the tragic discovery of the victims’ bodies was made.
The bodies were found within two weeks of the missing persons report, hidden in the trunk of Taylor’s vehicle and in a plastic container at his residence. Prior to this, Taylor had been in a relationship with Johnson and had moved in with her and her children from South Carolina.
Authorities tracked Taylor down and arrested him in Slab City, California, on March 16, 2024. Following his arrest, Taylor was extradited back to North Carolina, where a Mecklenburg County grand jury subsequently indicted him for the murders.
In a court record filed in August of the previous year, it was noted that Mecklenburg County prosecutors have decided against pursuing the death penalty in this case. A judge has denied Taylor bond, labeling him a “tremendous danger” to the public, and he remains in custody as he awaits trial.
As preparations for the trial continue, Taylor’s next administrative hearing is scheduled for November 7, 2024, which will address procedural matters leading up to the trial date. The upcoming proceedings are likely to attract significant attention from the community, given the tragic circumstances surrounding the case and the loss of three lives.
This case highlights ongoing concerns around drug-related fatalities and the potential dangers posed by individuals with a history of violent crime, as Taylor is classified as a habitual felon. As the trial approaches, attention will remain on the legal proceedings and the impact on the families affected by this devastating event.
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Benjamin Taylor Arraignment
- Wikipedia: Fentanyl
- WCNC: Markayla Johnson Murder Investigation
- Google Search: Drug Related Deaths
- Newsweek: Fentanyl Murder Case
- Google Scholar: Habitual Felony
- Charlotte Observer: Additional Details on the Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- WCNC: New Details in Murder Investigation
- Google News: Markayla Johnson
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
