On March 19, 2024, a Meriwether County jury found Kevin Hudson, 64, of New York, guilty of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony. Sr. Assistant District Attorney Tim Marlow prosecuted the case. Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Agent Devin Evans led the investigation with substantial assistance from Manchester Police Department and the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office.
The evidence revealed that in July of 2022, Stephanie Johnson ended her relationship with Hudson. On September 8, 2022, Hudson entered Stephanie’s home without permission, took her guns, threatened her, and warned her not to call the police. Despite the threats, Stephanie managed to alert her friend, who then contacted the police. When Hudson saw an officer outside, he shot the victim multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Janovsky and his K-9, Rico, as well as Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Cpl. Ison and his K-9, Bo, played crucial roles in tracking down Hudson. Hudson was located 30 minutes after the murder, and key evidence such as Hudson’s phones and the latex gloves he wore during the murder were found.
In March of 2023, a neighbor found the murder weapon under a shed, and the GBI was able to match the bullets from the victim’s body to the gun. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the dedication of all involved led to the successful apprehension and conviction of Kevin Hudson.
In a statement following the verdict, it was highlighted that "Bringing Kevin Hudson to justice was truly a team effort involving Manchester PD, the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia DNR, the GBI, and the District Attorney’s Office." The case was described as a "heinous case of domestic violence that tragically cost Stephanie Johnson her life." However, it was also noted that "Because she was brave enough to ask her friend to contact the police, her murderer was apprehended quickly and will now spend the rest of his life in the Georgia Department of Corrections."