Man Convicted of 'Precious Doe' Murder

A Kansas City jury deliberated for about three hours before returning a guilty verdict in the first-degree murder trial in the "Precious Doe" case. Harrell Johnson, 29, was charged with the death and the decapitation of three-year-old Erica Green, the daughter of his then girlfriend who he married a year later.

Johnson was also convicted of endangering the welfare of a child and abuse of a child.

The case had captivated the Kansas City area, as well as television crime shows, because the body of Erica went unidentified for almost four years when she was known only as "Precious Doe."

During closing arguments, prosecutors told the jury that a guilty verdict would finally bring justice for Erica.

"This selfish coward made the decision to put himself before this 3-year-old child's life," said prosecutor Jim Kanatzar.

The defense argued that the prosecution had not proven premeditation, a requirement for a first-degree murder conviction in Missouri.

"It's our position to you that the evidence in this case has not established that Harrell Johnson intended or deliberately meant for Erica Green to die," Chris Slusher told the jury.

See Also:
Man Convicted of Murder in Mo. 'Precious Doe' Case

Earlier Articles:
Precious Doe's Mom Testifies Against Husband
Mother, Stepfather Changed in 'Precious Doe' Case

^{Photo: Mug Shot}