CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The man charged with killing a Charlotte woman and her two young children in early March was released to U.S. Marshals on Friday morning, and was processed into the Mecklenburg County Detention Center later in the afternoon.
Benjamin Joseph Taylor was arrested in Imperial County, California, on March 16. He was charged with three counts of murder and one count of concealment in connection with the deaths of Markayla Johnson and her two children, 4-year-old Miracle Johnson and 7-month-old Messiah Johnson.
The Imperial County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Taylor was released to the custody of U.S. Marshals. Taylor did not fight extradition back to North Carolina and could be on his way to Charlotte, where he will remain in jail. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office confirmed to WCNC Charlotte just before 5 p.m. Friday that Taylor was being processed into the jail.
Johnson, 22, and her kids were reported missing on March 8. They were found dead by police inside her apartment on March 15. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said that Taylor and Johnson were in a relationship. He called the deaths a "senseless act of violence and a devastating loss for their family and our community."
Johnson's family attended the news conference and shared memories of their loved ones.
"I miss my baby," Johnson's mother said. "I miss my grandkids. She was a good person and everybody knows Markayla would do anything for you. She didn't deserve this."
Public records show that Taylor has had dozens of run-ins with police, including previous charges of kidnapping, assault and violating a domestic protective order. The exact circumstances of his relationship with Johnson are unclear.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Witnesses may also call 704-432-TIPS to speak directly with homicide detectives.
Contact Anna King at aking2@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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