MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Division of Drug and Crime Control-P.O. Box 568, Jefferson City, MO 65102
News Release
For further information please contact:
Sgt. Bradley R. Germann 573-526-6122
11/10/2025
November 10, 2025
EMPHASIS:
Halfway, MO, Man Found Guilty On First Degree Murder And Armed Criminal Action Charges
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces a guilty verdict following an investigation conducted by Troop D DDCC investigators.
On May 17, 2022, DDCC was requested to assist the Polk County Sheriff’s Office with a suspicious death investigation in Halfway, MO. Investigators discovered Darrianna M. Johnson deceased inside the residence with a single gunshot wound. DDCC investigators, along with Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies, followed up on investigative leads and secured evidence from the scene. A person of interest was developed in the case, and a probable cause statement was sent to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
On October 13, 2022, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office formally charged Lucky J. Johnson, 42, of Halfway, MO, for First Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action.
On November 6, 2025, a Polk County Jury found Johnson guilty of First-Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action. Johnson was sentenced to life in imprisonment and an additional 15 years for the offense of Armed Criminal Action.
The Missouri Highway Patrol is appreciative of the assistance of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
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