In the early hours of April 18, 2020, a quiet West Jordan, Utah neighborhood was shattered by violence. Inside their home, Katherine Butterfield, a 30-year-old Caucasian female, and her husband, Tony Butterfield, 31, were tragically killed during a home invasion. A neighbor's call to 911 around 1:15 a.m., reporting gunshots and a woman's scream, brought police to the scene where they discovered the horrific outcome.
Tony's body was found in the backyard, while Katherine lay just inside the doorway of their home. Their three young children, ages four, two, and six months, were found unharmed inside the house.
The investigation quickly pointed to a violent struggle. It appeared an intruder had forcibly entered the home. Evidence suggested that Tony Butterfield had fought back, possibly injuring the assailant with a knife. The home had been ransacked, though it was initially unclear what, if anything, had been taken. The initial belief was that the attack was targeted, and not a random act of violence. The couple was described by family as loving parents and Christ-like individuals, and there was no indication of any criminal activity on their part.
The primary suspect was identified as 31-year-old Albert Enoch Johnson of West Jordan. It was revealed that Johnson knew the Butterfields, having previously sought employment at their landscaping business. His motive was financial desperation. On the night of the murders, Johnson, believing the couple had money, broke into their home armed with a shotgun. He demanded money and left with only $20 and two cell phones. However, upon reaching his car, he realized he had left his keys inside. When he returned to the house unmasked, Tony Butterfield recognized him and a fatal confrontation ensued. Tony stabbed Johnson in an attempt to defend his family, and in response, Johnson shot and killed both Tony and Katherine.
Following the murders, a multi-state manhunt for Albert Enoch Johnson was launched. His wife, Sina Johnson, was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence for assisting him in his attempt to flee and for disposing of evidence. Albert Johnson was apprehended in Stockton, California, on April 22, 2020. He ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated murder and was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Sina Johnson pleaded guilty to her charges and received a suspended prison sentence with probation.
