The man accused of killing his pregnant girlfriend at their Heritage Ranch home appeared in court for his arraignment on Thursday.
Daniel Raul Rodriguez Johnson, 31, is charged with two counts of murder plus carjacking, evading a peace officer, theft of a law enforcement vehicle, resisting arrest, and exhibiting of a deadly weapon.
Investigators say Johnson stabbed 27-year-old Carrington Jane Broussard to death, also killing their unborn child.
Johnson arrived at the courthouse Thursday wearing a black and white jail jumpsuit but his public defenders changed him into a blue button-down shirt for his court appearance.
He was emotional and appeared to be wiping tears from his eyes when the victim’s brother walked into the courtroom.
Johnson did not enter a plea and the judge continued the arraignment to March 13 to give the defense more time to review the complaint.
The prosecution asked that Johnson be held without bail and the judge also granted that request.
Johnson was arrested Sunday, March 3, after authorities say he crashed his car with his two young daughters inside, then stole the car of a California Highway Patrol officer who had responded to the crash. They say Johnson then led officers on a chase from Templeton to San Simeon, where he drove into some bushes and came out of the vehicle holding a utility knife. Officers reportedly shot him with a less-lethal shotgun round and took him into custody.
After Johnson’s arrest, authorities say San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s deputies checked his home and found Broussard’s body.
If convicted, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office says Johnson could face up to life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
Previous coverage:
Man suspected of killing pregnant girlfriend charged with 7 counts
