Attorney General's News Release

July 7, 2004

Attorney General, Macon County prosecutor file murder, robbery charges in connection with death of Ethel man

Macon, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon and Macon County Prosecuting Attorney R. Timothy Bickhaus today filed criminal charges of robbery and murder in connection with the death of John Wolff, an Ethel resident found beaten to death in his home Dec. 3, 2003. The Attorney General's Office is assisting Bickhaus on the case.

Ivan Johnson (DOB — 11/7/59), of Macon, is charged with first degree murder and first degree robbery. The probable cause statement filed with the felony complaint alleges that Johnson bludgeoned Wolff to death and robbed him of approximately $1,500 sometime between Nov. 27 and Nov. 30, 2003. The probable cause statement also alleges that Johnson previously propositioned others to help him rob Wolff. The statement also alleges that Johnson told several individuals that he used a large metal pipe to beat Wolff and rob him for drug money.

Under Missouri law, Johnson is considered a prior and persistent offender. He previously has been convicted of the felonies of rape, sodomy, assault of a law enforcement officer in the first degree and second degree robbery. Bond for Johnson has been set at $500,000.

Murder in the first degree is a class A felony under Missouri law, punishable by either death or imprisonment for life without the eligibility for probation or parole. First degree robbery is also considered a class A felony under Missouri law, punishable by not less than ten years imprisonment. The charges against the defendant are merely accusations; as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818