On June 20, 2021, at approximately 10:49 PM, Paulding E-911 received a third-party call reference to a possible dispute where someone had been stabbed. Deputies immediately responded to 235 Ashbury Court Dallas, GA 30157 (Woodbridge Subdivision) which is where the incident occurred.
When Deputies arrived on the scene they located the victim, who was also the homeowner, clinging to life with what appeared to be multiple stab wounds. Deputies immediately began Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) efforts in an attempt to revive the victim.
EMS personnel arrived a short time later and determined that the victim was beyond help. The victim has been identified as Brian Allan Johns (W/M, 58 YOA).
Detectives were able to determine that the homeowner and the suspect got into a physical dispute and the suspect stabbed the victim in the midst of the dispute.
The suspect, along with his mother, rented the basement apartment from the victim. The suspect was identified as Elijah Nehemiah Harris (B/M, 17 YOA).
Elijah Harris was subsequently transported to the Sheriff’s Office where he was interviewed by Detectives. He was later arrested by Detectives and charged with the below offenses. Harris is being held in the Paulding County Jail without bond; Murder (Felony), and Aggravated Assault (Felony).
Detectives are encouraging anyone who may have any information about this incident or any information about the victim or suspect to contact them via the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Tip Line at (770) 443-3047 or via the Paulding Sheriff mobile app.