Carla Marie Payne, a 30-year-old woman, was tragically killed on March 23, 2021, in the home she shared in Canton, Georgia. At the time of her death, Carla was 30 weeks pregnant with a baby boy who was to be named Mason. The events of that evening unfolded into a greater tragedy, as her uncle, 65-year-old Thomas Richard "Doodle" Donaldson, was also found deceased at the residence. Both victims had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
The investigation into their deaths quickly focused on Kristopher Martin Johnson, 34, who was identified as Carla's boyfriend and the father of her unborn child. On the evening of the murders, Johnson drove to a nearby grocery store parking lot after the shootings. From there, he first contacted his mother, who advised him to call the police, and then he dialed 911 to report the shooting himself. Law enforcement officers were dispatched to both the home on Old Donaldson Road and the Ingles parking lot. Upon their arrival at the residence, they discovered the bodies of Carla and her uncle in separate bedrooms. Johnson was arrested at the grocery store.
During the subsequent investigation and legal proceedings, a motive for the violent acts began to surface. Prosecutors argued that Carla was attempting to end her relationship with Johnson. It was revealed that Johnson was leading a "double life," messaging other women and purchasing firearms in the time leading up to the murders. In his interview with law enforcement, Johnson claimed that he had "blacked out" and could only recall arguing with Carla that evening, also stating that he had not been taking his prescribed medication.
Kristopher Martin Johnson was charged with two counts of malice murder for the deaths of Carla Payne and Thomas Donaldson, as well as feticide for the death of the unborn child, Mason. He was also charged with exploitation and intimidation of a disabled adult and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. In February 2025, a judge found Johnson guilty but mentally ill. This verdict ensured that he would receive mental health treatment while incarcerated. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole, plus an additional 30 years. The court heard victim impact statements from the family of both victims before the sentence was handed down.
