In the quiet town of Cleveland, Tennessee, a deeply cherished mother and her young son were tragically lost. Rachael Deanna Johnson, a 30-year-old woman, was found deceased in her home on December 7, 2015, alongside her 5-year-old son, Colton. Rachael, who had a master's degree in biology and worked as a veterinary surgery technician, was remembered for her love of the outdoors and, above all, her profound devotion to her son.
The grim discovery was made after Rachael failed to show up
for work, prompting a welfare check at her residence off Mouse Creek Road. Inside, authorities found the bodies of both mother and child. It was later determined that both Rachael and Colton had been shot and killed. The family's dog was also found deceased at the scene.
The investigation quickly led to a suspect, 31-year-old Ross Anderson, who was identified as Rachael's live-in boyfriend. Following the murders, Anderson drove to Rutherford County, where he began knocking on doors in the early morning hours, telling residents he was in trouble. His erratic behavior led to an encounter with law enforcement, and he was taken to a local hospital due to his confused state.
While at the hospital, Anderson confessed to a social worker that he had killed his 'wife and son,' although he and Rachael were not married. This confession, combined with other evidence, led to his arrest. Law enforcement officials found two guns and ammunition inside his truck. Anderson was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder and transported back to Bradley County to face legal proceedings for the deaths of Rachael and Colton Johnson.
