Johnson Gets Life Term For Slaying

Johnson Gets Life Term For Slaying

Solitary Confinement Ordered For Killer
Of Wife, Children

Harold A. Johnson, found guilty last night of the first degree murder of his one-year-old daughter,
Margaret, was sentenced at noon today to solitary confinement for life in Southern Michigan Prison.

Circuit Judge James R. Breakey, jr., also set April 27 as the date
for Johnson's trial on the fatal shooting of his three-year-old
daughter, Barbara. A third trial, for the killing of Johnson's wife,
Margery, presumably will follow.

Judge Breakey ordered Johnson taken to prison today.

In Jackson, prison officials commented that Johnson actually
would not be placed in a solitary cell as the sentence implies
because the prison does not have such facilities except for discipline
of inmates.

Ralph C. Keyes, Johnson's attorney, said "it's too early
know whether there will be an appeal." Keyes had claimed in
Johnson's defense that the first shot, which hit Johnson's
wife was accidental and that Johnson was "temporarily insane" when
he shot the children.

Shows No Emotion

Johnson showed no emotion as the circuit court jury foreman
read the verdict at 8:30 p.m., after 8:30 p.m., after 4 1/2 hours deliberation of the
case. The jury of eight women and four men began hearing testimony a
week ago. He was likewise stoical at the sentencing.

Judge Breakey congratulated the jury on its verdict, saying,
"You had a difficult case here. I think you did properly. You had
much to consider and you have resolved the case properly in my
humble opinion."

Keyes asked that the jury be polled last night. Their verdict
was unanimous.

Johnson was found slumped over a partition between the
living room and kitchen of their home at 1435 Westfield Ave. the
night of the shootings. It was testified that he had taken 50
to 75 sleeping capsules.

The unemployed television repairman, who held an engineer-
ing degree from the University had called his sister, Mrs. Ruth
Porterfield of Houghton Lake shortly after the shooting. Both
she and his father-in-law, Rudolf Dahlstrom of Ann Arbor,
testified during the trial.