Melvin Johnson (Serial Killer)
Illinois Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Decatur, Illinois
TIME PERIOD
1984-1988
VICTIMS
4 confirmed
Melvin Johnson, an American serial killer, rapist, and sex offender, is posthumously linked to at least four murders committed in Decatur, Illinois, between 1984 and 1988, three of which were sexually motivated. Notably, on Halloween night in 1984, he abducted and murdered two young cousins, 12-year-old Sherry Gordon and 10-year-old Theresa Hall, during their trick-or-treating. Johnson's criminal history includes prior convictions for sexual offenses, but he was never convicted of murder during his lifetime and died in Texas in October 2003. Investigative findings have since connected him to the murders through DNA evidence, although he was never apprehended or brought to trial before his death.
Melvin Johnson is believed to have committed multiple murders in Decatur, Illinois, with many theorizing that his crimes were driven by sexual motivation. Some speculate that he may be linked to additional unsolved cases in nearby Indiana, suggesting a broader pattern of violence. There is a belief among the public that his early criminal history and relationships may have influenced his later actions as a serial killer.
The Shadow of Melvin Johnson: A Serial Killer Unmasked
The Beginning
In the quiet streets of Decatur, Illinois, a sinister presence lurked in the shadows during the 1980s. Melvin Johnson, born in 1958, would eventually be revealed as a serial killer, though he eluded justice during his lifetime. Known for crimes ranging from indecent liberties with a child to theft and robbery, Johnson's dark legacy would only fully emerge after his death in October 2003, in Texas.
A Troubled Past
Little is known about Johnson's early years. His criminal record, however, speaks volumes. In 1978, at just 20 years old, he was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy. After his release in 1982, Johnson moved to Decatur, where he found companionship and support in John L. Woods. Woods, a man who would later become one of Johnson’s victims, provided financial and emotional support during Johnson’s recurring stints in prison.
The Murders Begin
The horror began on Halloween night, 1984. That evening, as children roamed the streets in costume, Johnson abducted and brutally murdered two young cousins, Sherry Gordon, 12, and Theresa Hall, 10. Their bodies were discovered after they failed to return from trick-or-treating. The gruesome crime sent shockwaves through the community, leaving parents terrified for their children's safety.
The two girls were laid to rest more than a week later in Greenwood Cemetery, but the killer remained at large. The police had no leads, and the case went cold.
Another Victim
The following year, on April 2, 1985, tragedy struck again. Sandra Hopson, a 25-year-old mother, was found dead by her five-year-old son, Arcadio, in their apartment. An autopsy revealed she had been sexually assaulted, smothered with a pillow, and stabbed multiple times. Based on Arcadio's testimony, authorities arrested two of Hopson's relatives, Bruce A. Casey and Erma T. Britton. However, evidence against them was flimsy. Britton was released, but Casey, despite maintaining his innocence, was forced to stand trial based solely on Arcadio's identification.
The case against Casey was fraught with controversy. His defense questioned the reliability of a five-year-old witness, which led to significant delays in proceedings. Eventually, Casey was acquitted, leaving the murder unsolved and casting doubt on the investigation's integrity.
The Death of John L. Woods
In December 1987, Johnson was released from prison once more, this time after serving a sentence for burglary. On April 30, 1988, he stabbed John L. Woods to death in Decatur. Attempting to disguise his crime as a burglary, Johnson fled but not before alerting police with an anonymous call about Woods' "bloody murder."
The investigation into Woods' death identified two potential witnesses—a young white male seen with Woods at a Hardee's and a young black male seen jogging with him near a YMCA. However, these leads never panned out, and the case remained unsolved. Although Johnson was a prime suspect due to his inability to provide a credible alibi and possession of a knife consistent with the murder weapon, the evidence was insufficient for an arrest.
A Posthumous Revelation
In a twist of fate, it wasn’t until after Johnson’s death in October 2003 from stomach cancer and AIDS that authorities would finally connect the dots. While serving time in Texas on unrelated charges, his DNA was collected and subsequently entered into CODIS, the national DNA database.
In February 2009, this DNA linked Johnson to the horrific 1984 Halloween murders of Sherry Gordon and Theresa Hall. Just seven months later, his DNA also matched the murders of Sandra Hopson and John L. Woods, confirming him as a serial killer. These findings prompted the Decatur Police Department to reopen investigations, searching for any further connections to unsolved crimes from the era. Johnson was even considered a suspect in the murder of a Millikin University student and another case in Indiana.
As of January 2025, no additional crimes have been definitively linked to Melvin Johnson, but his specter continues to haunt the cold case files of Illinois.
Sources
- "Police Link Deceased Killer to More Deaths". WMAQ-TV. September 15, 2009.
- Tony Reid. "Police solve two cases from 1980s tied to 1984 Halloween murders". Herald & Review. September 14, 2009.
- Judy Tatham. "Families grieve." Herald & Review. November 9, 1984.
- Jane Jankowski. "Neighbors feel the loss also." Herald & Review. November 4, 1984.
- Dawn Morville. "Arrests made in Decatur murder." Herald & Review. April 4, 1985.
- "Second man not charged in death." Herald & Review. April 12, 1985.
- Judy Tatham. "Child's story crucial factor." Herald & Review. April 19, 1985.
- Judy Tatham. "Murder trial hinges on 5-year-old witness." Herald & Review. July 21, 1985.
- Judy Tatham. "Testimony controversy delays murder trial." Herald & Review. July 23, 1985.
- Judy Tatham. "Police seek man seen with Woods." Herald & Review. August 10, 1988.
- Sue Brown. "John Woods' death ruled homicide." Herald & Review. June 23, 1988.
- "Illinois: DNA Match in 1984 Murders". The New York Times. February 12, 2009.
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Double Murder of Cousins
Melvin Johnson abducts, sexually assaults, and kills Sherry Gordon and Theresa Hall on Halloween night.
Sandra Hopson Found Dead
The body of 25-year-old Sandra Hopson is discovered in her apartment, having been sexually assaulted and murdered.
Murder of John Woods
Melvin Johnson stabs his partner John Woods to death, attempting to stage it as a burglary.
Melvin Johnson Dies
Melvin Johnson dies in Texas from stomach cancer and AIDS, never having been convicted of murder.
DNA Match to Cousins' Murders
Johnson's DNA is matched to the 1984 murders of Sherry Gordon and Theresa Hall, officially linking him to the case.
DNA Match to Additional Murders
Johnson's DNA is linked to the murders of Sandra Hopson and John Woods, confirming him as a serial killer.
Melvin Johnson, an American serial killer, rapist, and sex offender, is posthumously linked to at least four murders committed in Decatur, Illinois, between 1984 and 1988, three of which were sexually motivated. Notably, on Halloween night in 1984, he abducted and murdered two young cousins, 12-year-old Sherry Gordon and 10-year-old Theresa Hall, during their trick-or-treating. Johnson's criminal history includes prior convictions for sexual offenses, but he was never convicted of murder during his lifetime and died in Texas in October 2003. Investigative findings have since connected him to the murders through DNA evidence, although he was never apprehended or brought to trial before his death.
Melvin Johnson is believed to have committed multiple murders in Decatur, Illinois, with many theorizing that his crimes were driven by sexual motivation. Some speculate that he may be linked to additional unsolved cases in nearby Indiana, suggesting a broader pattern of violence. There is a belief among the public that his early criminal history and relationships may have influenced his later actions as a serial killer.
The Shadow of Melvin Johnson: A Serial Killer Unmasked
The Beginning
In the quiet streets of Decatur, Illinois, a sinister presence lurked in the shadows during the 1980s. Melvin Johnson, born in 1958, would eventually be revealed as a serial killer, though he eluded justice during his lifetime. Known for crimes ranging from indecent liberties with a child to theft and robbery, Johnson's dark legacy would only fully emerge after his death in October 2003, in Texas.
A Troubled Past
Little is known about Johnson's early years. His criminal record, however, speaks volumes. In 1978, at just 20 years old, he was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy. After his release in 1982, Johnson moved to Decatur, where he found companionship and support in John L. Woods. Woods, a man who would later become one of Johnson’s victims, provided financial and emotional support during Johnson’s recurring stints in prison.
The Murders Begin
The horror began on Halloween night, 1984. That evening, as children roamed the streets in costume, Johnson abducted and brutally murdered two young cousins, Sherry Gordon, 12, and Theresa Hall, 10. Their bodies were discovered after they failed to return from trick-or-treating. The gruesome crime sent shockwaves through the community, leaving parents terrified for their children's safety.
The two girls were laid to rest more than a week later in Greenwood Cemetery, but the killer remained at large. The police had no leads, and the case went cold.
Another Victim
The following year, on April 2, 1985, tragedy struck again. Sandra Hopson, a 25-year-old mother, was found dead by her five-year-old son, Arcadio, in their apartment. An autopsy revealed she had been sexually assaulted, smothered with a pillow, and stabbed multiple times. Based on Arcadio's testimony, authorities arrested two of Hopson's relatives, Bruce A. Casey and Erma T. Britton. However, evidence against them was flimsy. Britton was released, but Casey, despite maintaining his innocence, was forced to stand trial based solely on Arcadio's identification.
The case against Casey was fraught with controversy. His defense questioned the reliability of a five-year-old witness, which led to significant delays in proceedings. Eventually, Casey was acquitted, leaving the murder unsolved and casting doubt on the investigation's integrity.
The Death of John L. Woods
In December 1987, Johnson was released from prison once more, this time after serving a sentence for burglary. On April 30, 1988, he stabbed John L. Woods to death in Decatur. Attempting to disguise his crime as a burglary, Johnson fled but not before alerting police with an anonymous call about Woods' "bloody murder."
The investigation into Woods' death identified two potential witnesses—a young white male seen with Woods at a Hardee's and a young black male seen jogging with him near a YMCA. However, these leads never panned out, and the case remained unsolved. Although Johnson was a prime suspect due to his inability to provide a credible alibi and possession of a knife consistent with the murder weapon, the evidence was insufficient for an arrest.
A Posthumous Revelation
In a twist of fate, it wasn’t until after Johnson’s death in October 2003 from stomach cancer and AIDS that authorities would finally connect the dots. While serving time in Texas on unrelated charges, his DNA was collected and subsequently entered into CODIS, the national DNA database.
In February 2009, this DNA linked Johnson to the horrific 1984 Halloween murders of Sherry Gordon and Theresa Hall. Just seven months later, his DNA also matched the murders of Sandra Hopson and John L. Woods, confirming him as a serial killer. These findings prompted the Decatur Police Department to reopen investigations, searching for any further connections to unsolved crimes from the era. Johnson was even considered a suspect in the murder of a Millikin University student and another case in Indiana.
As of January 2025, no additional crimes have been definitively linked to Melvin Johnson, but his specter continues to haunt the cold case files of Illinois.
Sources
- "Police Link Deceased Killer to More Deaths". WMAQ-TV. September 15, 2009.
- Tony Reid. "Police solve two cases from 1980s tied to 1984 Halloween murders". Herald & Review. September 14, 2009.
- Judy Tatham. "Families grieve." Herald & Review. November 9, 1984.
- Jane Jankowski. "Neighbors feel the loss also." Herald & Review. November 4, 1984.
- Dawn Morville. "Arrests made in Decatur murder." Herald & Review. April 4, 1985.
- "Second man not charged in death." Herald & Review. April 12, 1985.
- Judy Tatham. "Child's story crucial factor." Herald & Review. April 19, 1985.
- Judy Tatham. "Murder trial hinges on 5-year-old witness." Herald & Review. July 21, 1985.
- Judy Tatham. "Testimony controversy delays murder trial." Herald & Review. July 23, 1985.
- Judy Tatham. "Police seek man seen with Woods." Herald & Review. August 10, 1988.
- Sue Brown. "John Woods' death ruled homicide." Herald & Review. June 23, 1988.
- "Illinois: DNA Match in 1984 Murders". The New York Times. February 12, 2009.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Double Murder of Cousins
Melvin Johnson abducts, sexually assaults, and kills Sherry Gordon and Theresa Hall on Halloween night.
Sandra Hopson Found Dead
The body of 25-year-old Sandra Hopson is discovered in her apartment, having been sexually assaulted and murdered.
Murder of John Woods
Melvin Johnson stabs his partner John Woods to death, attempting to stage it as a burglary.
Melvin Johnson Dies
Melvin Johnson dies in Texas from stomach cancer and AIDS, never having been convicted of murder.
DNA Match to Cousins' Murders
Johnson's DNA is matched to the 1984 murders of Sherry Gordon and Theresa Hall, officially linking him to the case.
DNA Match to Additional Murders
Johnson's DNA is linked to the murders of Sandra Hopson and John Woods, confirming him as a serial killer.