Homicide investigators with the Orlando Police Department have positively identified a body found last week as that of a missing teenager. Joshua Johnson, 18, disappeared on August 15. He was reported missing a day later by his grandmother when he didn't return home.
Two people came forward and told detectives that they had witnessed a fight taking place among three men in the area of Wilts Circle and Mable Butler Street. The witnesses said they did not immediately contact police, because the fight appeared to be playful in nature and not serious.
The witnesses said they saw a minivan, possibly tan in color, pull up alongside Johnson and force him inside, before leaving the area. The only information about the suspects provided by the witnesses is that they were both black men.
Johnson's severely burned body was later found inside a vacant home in the Pine Hills area. Police believe was kidnapped and beaten to death. Anyone with information concerning Johnson's murder is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477). Tips can remain anonymous.
