Today (Apr 27), the Brevard Grand Jury Indicted Brian Karl PETERS JR. (33), for First Degree Premeditated Murder (CF), Tampering with Evidence (F3), Grand Theft (F3), Criminal Use of Personal Identification (F3), and Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card (F3) in connection to the death of Jo Ellen Johnson (71). The crimes occurred on or between December 31, 2020 and January 13, 2021, when Melbourne Police Department discovered the body of Jo Ellen Johnson. 

 

On January 3, 2021, Melbourne Police were called to 2900 S. Harbor City Boulevard where Jo Ellen Johnson was reported missing. Unable to locate Johnson, on January 13, 2021, detectives conducted a search of the property where she lived with several other  people, including PETERS JR. They found an area of disturbed ground near the shed in which PETERS Jr. lived and discovered Johnson's body buried there. The Brevard Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide.

 

In a months-long investigation, police were able to link PETERS JR. to Johnson's burial, along with multiple financial transactions using her checks and debit cards. An arrest warrant for PETERS JR. was obtained on March 17, 2021, and he was located in Pamunkey County, VA where he is being held on No Bond.

 

The Grand Jury heard testimony from the Brevard Medical Examiner, a Melbourne Police Department crime scene investigator and detective, and a lay witness before returning with the indictment.

 

The process of extradition has been initiated and PETERS JR is expected to be transferred back to Florida on a date yet to be determined. No trial date or initial appearance have been set in this case. Please consult the Brevard Clerk of Courts website for updates on future court appearances by this defendant.