Donald Herb Johnson
Murderer
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- Gender
- male
- Country
- USA
- Location
- Perry County, Kentucky, USA
- Date of birth
- May 25, 1967
- Age at first offence
- 22
- Characteristics
- rape, mutilation, dismemberment
- Victim profile
- Helen Madden, 61
- Method of murder
- St abbing with knife
- Date(s) of murder
- November 30, 1989
- Years active
- 1989
- Date of arrest
- Next day
- Status
-
Sentenced to death
Sentenced to death on October 1, 1997
Identification
Donald Herb Johnson was sentenced to death on October 1, 1997.
The offence
Donald Herb Johnson stabbed 61-year-old Helen Madden 24 times in Floyd County in 1989. Her body was found on 11/30/89 at the Bright and Clean Laundry in Hazard, where she was employed. It was determined that Helen Madden had also been sexually assaulted. Before killing her, Johnson mutilated Helen Madden’s vagina and rectum with a ball point pen, bit her several times, and then disemboweled her with a knife.
Investigation
Johnson was arrested on 12/01/89.
Arrest and charges
Johnson was charged with murder, robbery and burglary. The charge of 1st Degree Sexual Assault was added later.
Trial
The case was transferred to Floyd Circuit Court. Johnson pleaded guilty to capital murder, first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery and two counts of first-degree sexual abuse.
Sentencing
Donald Herb Johnson was sentenced to death on October 1, 1997 in Floyd County for the stabbing death of Helen Madden.
Appeals
Attorney General Greg Stumbo requested execution dates to be set.
Outcome
Attorney General Greg Stumbo asked for an execution date to be set for Donald Herb Johnson, who pleaded guilty to the murder of Helen Madden.
Aftermath
Attorney General Greg Stumbo requested that Governor Ernie Fletcher set execution dates as soon as possible to carry out the sentence imposed in each case. Stumbo later withdrew the request for David Lee Sanders’ execution after learning an appeal had already been filed in the case.
"These were brutal and malicious murders," Stumbo said "I have pledged in my new position to be tough on criminals. By signing these orders, I am keeping that promise and helping ensure the safety of Kentuckians."
Fletcher had not released a statement on how he planned to handle the death penalty request.
Other details
On November 29, 1989, in Hazard, Johnson came to Bright and Clean Laundry and asked Madden if he could use the telephone. After Madden refused, Johnson allegedly stabbed her at least 24 times, repeatedly bit her, beat her beyond recognition and then disemboweled her. Johnson then allegedly went to a restaurant to have dinner directly after the murder.
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