The man suspected of stealing a California Highway Patrol vehicle and leading authorities on a pursuit over the weekend in northern San Luis Obispo County is now also facing murder charges.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office says it will be recommending to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office that two counts of murder be filed against Daniel Raul Rodriguez Johnson, 31, of Paso Robles in connection with the death of his girlfriend and unborn baby in Heritage Ranch.
During a press conference Monday afternoon, San Luis Obispo County Undersheriff Jim Voge identified the victim as Carrington Jane Broussard.
Voge said the 27-year-old died of multiple stab wounds and was nine months pregnant.
Broussard’s body was discovered by deputies responding to Johnson’s home after the CHP says he led officers on a chase from the Paso Robles area to San Simeon.
Officers first came into contact with Johnson when they responded to reports of a crash in the Templeton area early Sunday morning.
CHP says Johnson got into a CHP vehicle while the officer was talking to ambulance personnel on scene.
“The officer arrived on scene at 5:55 a.m. and he put out on his radio that his car was being taken at 5:57 a.m.,” Templeton CHP Public Information Officer Patrick Seebart said.
Johnson left behind his and Broussard’s daughters, ages 2 and 4, in his vehicle.
The sheriff’s office was requested to assist with the pursuit, which eventually ended on Highway 1 near San Simeon after authorities say a spike strip was used on the stolen CHP vehicle.
Johnson eventually drove into some bushes and came out of the vehicle holding a utility knife, which he got from an equipment bag in the vehicle, according to CHP.
Officers shot Johnson with a less-lethal shotgun round and took him into custody.
Sheriff’s officials then responded to his home in the 2800 block of Sorrel Lane in the Heritage Ranch area and found Broussard’s body.
Sheriff’s officials say the two had been in a relationship for about six years but were not married.
A motive has not been established. Authorities said they had no prior contact at the home before the murder.
Their two daughters are now with relatives, officials said.
Johnson was booked by CHP Sunday night on eight charges, including driving a vehicle without owner’s consent, DUI, child endangerment, resisting arrest and evading law enforcement.
According to court records, Johnson has been arrested multiple times for crimes related to drug and alcohol use.
According to the SLO County Undersheriff, the latest DUI charge was filed against Johnson alleging he was under the influence of drugs when he carried out the pursuit.
The murder investigation is being handled by the sheriff’s office.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office is providing an update on a death investigation in Heritage Ranch.
Posted by KSBY on Monday, March 4, 2019
