Authorities in Etowah County, Alabama, have arrested 38-year-old Christopher Scott Johnson, charging him with the murders of his in-laws, Michael, 72, and Darla McKenzie, 68. The couple, both retired attorneys from Roswell, Georgia, were found fatally shot on January 28 in rural Alabama. The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths and Johnson’s arrest, though it remains unclear what led to the tragic incident.
Michael McKenzie, a respected attorney who specialized in arson cases, was known for his work in criminal justice reform. He helped exonerate three men who had been wrongfully convicted in Michigan, offering his services pro bono. Imran Syed, co-director of the Michigan Innocence Project, praised McKenzie for his remarkable efforts and described him as a beloved mentor and friend to many young lawyers.
Darla McKenzie, Michael’s wife, was also an accomplished attorney, having retired as a partner at the law firm Morris, Manning & Martin in Georgia. She specialized in real estate law and had a significant professional career…