A tragic incident in Kentucky has led to the arrest of DeMarcus Kenneth Johnson-Wright in Tennessee. The U.S. Marshals Service apprehended Johnson-Wright following the issuance of murder charges related to the death of April Barlow Celio, a 41-year-old mother of three, who was discovered deceased inside her home on 23 September.
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Celio was reportedly pregnant at the time of her death. Initial investigations by the Pineville Police Department (PPD) and the Bell County Coroner’s Office quickly classified her death as a homicide. The investigation took a grim turn when the State Medical Examiner confirmed that Celio was pregnant, and subsequent searches of her home uncovered what authorities believe to be fetal remains.
Warrants for Johnson-Wright’s arrest were issued just two days after Celio was found. The initial charges involved first-degree robbery and kidnapping. By 30 September, the situation escalated further when murder and tampering with physical evidence charges were added. Concerned that Johnson-Wright may have fled the state, authorities in Kentucky sought the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service to locate him.
The investigation led to Johnson-Wright being found in Clarksville, Tennessee, more than 250 miles from Pineville. After collaborating with local and state officials in Tennessee, the U.S. Marshals located him at a residence and subsequently obtained a search warrant, which resulted in the recovery of materials linked to the case. It has emerged that Johnson-Wright had been living in Tennessee at the time of Celio’s death and already had existing warrants for various offences, including aggravated robbery, kidnapping, and possession of a firearm despite being a felon.
The nature of Johnson-Wright’s relationship with Celio remains unclear, as authorities have opted not to disclose any details regarding their connection. Presently, he is being held at the Montgomery County Detention Center, awaiting extradition to Kentucky, where he will face the charges brought against him.
Celio’s family is now grappling with their devastating loss. Her sister, Amanda de Paz, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Celio’s three children during this difficult time. In her heartfelt message, de Paz lamented the abruptness of their loss, stating, “One moment she was here—someone we could call, hug, laugh with, and love—and now we are trying to figure out how to say goodbye to her far too soon.” She expressed the immense love the family has for Celio and the challenge of navigating life without her.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Celio’s death and the subsequent arrest of Johnson-Wright have sparked widespread outrage and concern within the community. Local authorities continue to investigate the case, seeking to piece together additional details as they prepare for the judicial process ahead. As the case develops, the community remains united in mourning the untimely loss of a cherished mother and friend, while also rallying around her children in the wake of such a profound tragedy.
The Pineville Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies are expected to provide updates as the situation unfolds, while the family mourns the loss of a beloved member under such tragic circumstances.