Double Homicide in Fort Wayne: Bodies of Missing Individuals Found in River, Suspect Arrested
FORT WAYNE, IN — The bodies of Christina M. Dixon, 40, and Matthew J. Johnson, 41, were discovered in trash bags in the St. Mary’s River in Fort Wayne last Friday, marking the tragic end to their disappearances. Both victims had been reported missing on September 19 from Connersville, Indiana. Police later arrested Dominique M. Washington, 29, a known drug dealer from Richmond, in connection with their deaths. Washington now faces charges of felony murder and kidnapping.
The grisly discovery was made by volunteers conducting a river cleanup near Guldlin Park, where they came across two large trash bags. Inside were the remains of Dixon and Johnson, who had been brutally killed. According to the Allen County Coroner’s Office, Dixon died by strangulation and suffocation, while Johnson sustained both gunshot and stab wounds.
The Investigation
Through cell phone data and witness statements, investigators retraced the victims’ final moments. Surveillance footage revealed that Johnson’s last known location was at the Genesis Apartments in Richmond. Footage showed him meeting a man identified as Washington before both got into a gray Dodge Avenger. Dixon was later seen getting into a silver car after receiving a call from Johnson.
Cell phone data showed that both victims’ phones went offline shortly after their last sightings, but police were later able to recover the phones in a Richmond trash can. The last activity on Johnson’s phone included adding a contact under the name “Nico Bro,” later linked to Dominique Washington.
Dominique Washington Arrested
Witnesses helped police piece together Washington’s movements following the disappearances, including reports that Washington had driven from Richmond to Fort Wayne in the early hours of September 20. License plate tracking corroborated these claims. A witness also told police that Washington had asked her to retrieve Johnson’s motorcycle from the Genesis Apartments.
Washington was arrested Monday night by state and local law enforcement and is currently being held without bond in the Allen County Jail. He faces multiple felony murder charges, with an initial court hearing set for September 25.
Police Response
Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly expressed condolences to the families of Dixon and Johnson, stating, “Our hearts go out to the families… We remain steadfast in our commitment to bringing justice to them. This arrest is just one step in ensuring that those responsible for such horrific acts are held accountable.”
As the investigation continues, authorities have indicated that additional arrests and information may follow. Washington’s criminal history includes prior arrests for robbery, drug-related offenses, and battery.
This case highlights the brutality of the crime and the efforts by law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice. The tragic deaths of Christina Dixon and Matthew Johnson have left a lasting impact on the Fort Wayne community, as police work to uncover all the details of this violent crime.
