Rowan County Sheriff’s officials have additionally charged Marlene Johnson with breaking into the Kannapolis home of Shirley Pierce, who she is accused of killing nine days ago. Johnson, 61, appeared just yesterday in Rowan District Court where her bond was reduced to $450,000. This latest charge brings her total bond to $950,000.
Johnson was charged today shortly after 1 p.m. with felony first-degree burglary. She is expected in court on Monday for a first appearance for the burglary charge. The arrest warrant says Johnson broke into and entered the Evandale Road home with the intent to commit a felony — murder. Investigators found pieces of Pierce’s recent mail inside Johnson’s car during a search.
Pierce, 62, was found dead July 23 with multiple stab wounds and signs that she was beaten. Johnson was arrested and charged in Pierce’s death 12 hours later. Johnson had initially been given no bond, but during Wednesday’s probable cause hearing a District Court Judge Kevin Eddinger lowered the amount. Johnson remains in the Rowan County Detention Center.
See more in Friday’s Post.