Rhode Island man arrested for murder of his wife, reportedly brandished two knives to officers

The South Kingstown Police today announced the arrest of 62-year-old Keith B. Johnston in South Kingstown. He will be charged with first-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. The victim has been identified as his wife, 59-year-old Gina L. Johnson.

“I want to share our condolences with the loved ones of Ms. Johnson,” said Matthew C. Moynihan, Chief of Police for the town of South Kingstown. “I also want to commend our officers for their outstanding work today. Our officers responded quickly to a dangerous situation, and I appreciate their quick thinking, thorough investigative work, and professional actions.”

This morning at approximately 9:11 a.m. the South Kingstown Police received a call from a concerned resident who saw a man cutting through his yard and described the subject as having tan pants and a black jacket. Officers responded to the area but did not locate the individual at that time.

At approximately 9:24 a.m., an SKPD officer saw a man on Church Street who fit the description of the suspicious man, who later would be identified as Keith Johnson. When officers approached, he brandished two knives. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, but the subject was noncompliant and walked away. The officers followed the subject to contain him, continuing to use de-escalation techniques. He once again approached officers brandishing the knives, was tased, and was subsequently arrested.

Officers learned that an unresponsive woman had been found on Dam Street, the address of Johnson. As a result of the investigation, Johnson will be charged with first-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.

“I want to thank the Rhode Island State Police and the Office of the Attorney General for their assistance,” added Chief Moynihan. “We have a collaborative law enforcement community in Rhode Island, and I appreciate everyone’s good work today.”