Man found guilty of first-degree murder in 'Precious Doe' case

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A jury on Wednesday convicted a man of killing a 3-year-old girl long known as "Precious Doe" by kicking her in the head and waiting hours without seeking help while she died.

Harrell Johnson, 29, was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Erica Green. He also was convicted of endangering the welfare of a child and abuse of a child. The jury deliberated for about three hours before returning the verdict. Johnson showed no emotion as the verdict was read.

Johnson's only possible sentence on the murder charge is life in prison without parole. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty, partly because Johnson agreed to withdraw his request to have the case moved out of Kansas City.

The jury recommended sentences of four years on the endangerment charge and 25 years on the abuse charge.

Jackson County Circuit Judge John Torrence will sentence Johnson at a date to be determined later.

Jackson County prosecutor Jim Kanatzar called the case a disturbing one that "will be with us for years to come." He said he was relieved that little Erica finally received justice and that Johnson got a life sentence in her murder.

During closing arguments, Kanatzar told jurors a guilty verdict from them would finally bring justice in the case. A police officer found Erica's headless, naked body in a wooded area of Kansas City in April 2001.

Defense attorney Chris Slusher said the defense's first responsibility was to avoid a death sentence for Johnson, which it accomplished.

Lacking an identity, Erica was known only as "Precious Doe" until 2005, when a community activist received a tip from Johnson's grandfather in Muskogee, Okla., where he lived with Erica's mother, whom he married a year after the girl's death.

Johnson's trial began Monday in Jackson County Circuit Court, and prosecutors completed their presentation Tuesday with testimony from Johnson's wife, Michelle Johnson, and a videotaped confession by the defendant. Defense attorneys did not call any witnesses.

Michelle Johnson, 33, pleaded guilty last year to second-degree murder in Erica's death.

She testified Tuesday that Harrell Johnson was high on drugs when he kicked Erica at the Kansas City home where they were staying. She said she knew the girl would die but that they didn't seek medical help for fear of being arrested on outstanding warrants.

A pediatric neurosurgeon testified Monday that if the couple had quickly sought medical attention for Erica, doctors probably could have reversed the damage.