Bemidji Woman Found Guilty of 2nd Degree Murder in Fatal Christmas Shooting

Janelle Johnson
Credit: Beltrami County Jail

A jury has found a Bemidji woman guilty of 2nd Degree Murder on March 23rd after a nearly two-week trial.

The Beltrami County Attorney’s Office says Janelle Johnson, who was 36 years old at the time of the shooting, was found guilty of murdering 48-year-old Jesse Farris, who was her brother-in-law. The shooting happened on December 25, 2020.

Court documents state Johnson was in a physical altercation with the victim at Farris’ residence in Northern Township. At one point during the fight, Johnson brandished a gun and shot him three times. Johnson and Austin Johnson, her husband, left the residence and reported the incident to law enforcement.

The judge placed Johnson back into custody following the verdict. A sentencing hearing for Johnson will be held on May 30, 2023.

Beltrami County Attorney David Hanson sends his regards to Mr. Farris’ family and friends. He also recognizes the work done by the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on this case. Assistant Minnesota Attorney General Daniel Vlieger helped in securing the guilty verdict.