Family asking for help in unsolved murder

Michael Johns, 61, found dead in Westside home

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two weeks after a man is found murdered in his own home, his family has come forward asking for the community's help in catching the killer.

With support from the crime advocacy group MAD DADS, the group took to the streets Saturday in Michael Johns' Westside neighborhood, who was found dead in his house two weeks ago. They knocked on doors, talked to neighbors and handed out fliers showing Johns' picture.

It was the first time Russell Miller publicly made a plea for help to find the person or persons who killed his brother-in-law. 

Michael Johns was found dead inside his home Wednesday.

"These kids around this neighborhood. He coached them. He taught them. He loved them," said Miller, Johns' brother-in-law. "There was nobody that didn't love Michael."

Johns' murder is one of the city's first in 2015. MAD DADS President Donald Foy said citizens need to do their part to help police.

"The only way we can stop this, is we get the community involved," said Foy. "To break the silence and remove the individuals that are responsible for these murders and crimes to justice."

Miller said Johns wasn't just his brother-in-law, but also a dear friend. He can't think of any reason why anyone would want to hurt him. He prays anyone with information will come forward.

"Let us know," said Miller. "So we can have a little bit of closure on this."

Anyone with any information in Johns' murder is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.


About the Authors:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.