Man to stand trial for 2011 murder

Craig Johnson, 48, is scheduled to stand trial for murder in Cheyenne County District Court next week.

Jury selection will take place Monday, Dec. 9, while the trial is set to begin Dec. 10 with the possibility of running through December 17.

Johnson faces charges of first-degree murder, a class IA felony, use of a weapon to commit a felony, a class II felony, possession of a deadly weapon by a felon, a class III felony, and habitual criminality. The charges are in connection with the Dec. 11, 2011 death of 42-year-old April Smith. Johnson allegedly killed Smith in the house they shared eight miles west of Sidney.

Johnson reportedly became angry with Smith after learning that her husband had repaired her vehicle, according to an account in the Star-Herald.

Authorities discovered Smith’s body on her living room floor—her hand and legs bound by wire and rope—after her employer reported her missing. Law enforcement reportedly discovered blood in several rooms. An autopsy confirmed a blow to the woman’s head, signs of strangulation as well as bruises and lacerations on her body.

Johnson was arrested in Michigan after a short pursuit and returned to Cheyenne County to face charges lodged against him. If convicted, Johnson faces life imprisonment.

The Nebraska Attorney General’s office will assist Cheyenne County Attorney Paul Schaub in the prosecution of this case.