On a tragic day in March 2019, the life of 29-year-old Geri Danielle Bays Johnson of Williamsburg, Kentucky, was cut short. On March 16, 2019, Johnson, who was 33 weeks pregnant, was fatally shot. Her boyfriend, Daniel Scott Nantz, drove her to a hospital in Corbin, claiming she had shot herself due to fears of being indicted. Johnson was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Doctors made a valiant effort to save her unborn child, delivering a baby girl named Amelia Jo.
However, the infant suffered from a lack of oxygen to the brain and tragically passed away three days later at the University of Kentucky hospital. The Fayette County Coroner ruled the infant's death a homicide.
The initial claim of suicide quickly unraveled as investigators delved into the case. It was revealed that Johnson had been cooperating with federal law enforcement, providing information about Nantz's involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking operation. In the days leading up to her murder, Nantz had expressed his suspicion that Johnson was talking to the authorities and had stated his intent to kill her if his fears were confirmed.
After shooting Johnson, Nantz's actions further implicated him. He drove to an acquaintance's house with Johnson's body in his truck and asked for help in disposing of it. He also instructed the individual to dismantle a security system at his home. Authorities later noted that the location of Johnson's gunshot wounds, in the back of her right shoulder at an upward angle, would have been nearly impossible for her to inflict herself.
Daniel Scott Nantz was arrested and charged in connection with Johnson's death. He eventually pleaded guilty to murdering a federal witness. In July 2023, four years after he murdered Johnson, Nantz was sentenced to life in prison. During the sentencing, Johnson's sister described Nantz as a 'spineless coward' who was afraid of her sister's fearlessness.
