Grand Jury Indicts Defendant in Death of Amanda Johnson

A Matagorda County Grand Jury has indicted Fernando Acosta Jr. for murder in the case of Amanda Johnson.

Amanda Johnson's Body Was Found April 18th

In a story followed closely by so many of us in the Crossroads, Johnson's body was found inside a vehicle that was set on fire just outside of the Texas community of Midfield. Her body was found on April 18th after an investigation that included local and regional law enforcement along with the Texas Rangers. Since then, police have arrested Fernando Colin Acosta Jr. back in May as a suspect in her murder after he turned himself into authorities. Acosta Jr. has since been held on a $500,000 bond according to ABC13.com.

Acosta Jr. Turned Himself into Police on May 21

Many Victorians knew Amanda well as their fitness instructor over at Crossfit 302 and as an employee of Complete 360. An autopsy showed Amanda was the victim of gunshot wounds that were determined to be inflicted before the vehicle she was in was set on fire. Johnson was reported missing for about 24 hours before the vehicle was located near Midfield. ABC13.com reports that Lt. James Orr says Acosta Jr. drove himself to the Matagorda County Jail and turned himself in. There has been no mention of any sort of confession to the crime. Now that a grand jury has made the indictment, the case will go to trial. A date for the trial has not been set.

Remembering Amanda Johnson in the Crossroads

So many of our listeners knew Amanda, and so many people in our community had nothing but great things to say about her. She also spent time as an elementary teacher with our own Victoria ISD for about 6 years. Right here at the radio station, we had co-workers who had enrolled their children in one of Amanda's classes and took the time to write a very heartfelt tribute to Johnson which can be read by clicking the button below.