Two facing second degree murder charges in Reserve couple’s killing

Published 3:10 pm Thursday, May 8, 2014

By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — A digital trail of evidence left by LaPlace residents Brittany Martin and Horatio Johnson, the two most recent arrests connected to the murder of Reserve married couple Kenneth and Lakeitha Joseph, led to Martin’s and Johnson’s arrest.

In a Thursday afternoon press conference, New Orleans police said the duo purchased several items, including blue nylon rope and kettle bells, at a Kenner Walmart. The items, used to tie up and weigh down the couple, were purchased with a credit card.

Because a credit card, versus cash, was used in the transaction, authorities were able to trace the purchases back to the duo.

NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas offered few additional details at the press conference, but did make it clear authorities are far from finished working the case. Martin and Johnson surrendered to authorities Wednesday in St. John the Baptist Parish.

“Based on information learned after the arrest, investigators have developed a number of additional leads,” Serpas said. “There are other people we know have information that can lead to further knowledge of this case.”

Martin, 25, and Johnson, 37, remain in the St. John the Baptist Parish jail on warrants. They are expected to be moved to Orleans Parish on Monday. Once in Orleans parish, police said each will be booked with two counts of second-degree murder.