Shocking Arrest Tied to Gruesome Discovery in Indiana River

An Indiana man faces murder charges for allegedly killing two police informants and dumping their bodies in a river.

At a Glance

• Dominique Washington, 29, charged with murdering two police informants in Indiana
• Victims’ bodies found in trash bags in St. Mary’s River by volunteer clean-up crew
• Victims had recently assisted police in a large drug bust involving Washington’s associate
• Washington accused of luring victims, forcing them to disable phones, then killing them
• Suspect faces multiple charges including murder and kidnapping, held without bond

Grisly Discovery in Indiana River

In a shocking turn of events, the bodies of two police informants were discovered in trash bags floating in the St. Mary’s River in northeastern Indiana. The victims, identified as Christina Michelle Dixon, 40, and Matthew Joseph Johnson, 41, both from Connersville, had recently assisted law enforcement in a significant drug bust. Their untimely deaths have sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious questions about the safety of confidential informants.

The gruesome discovery was made by a volunteer clean-up crew, highlighting the unexpected dangers that can arise during routine community service activities. Fort Wayne police were called to the scene and recovered the bodies, initiating an investigation that would soon lead to a startling arrest.

Suspect Arrested in Richmond

Dominique “Nico” Washington, a 29-year-old man from Richmond, Indiana, was arrested following a police raid. Washington, an alleged drug dealer, is accused of orchestrating the murders of Dixon and Johnson in retaliation for their cooperation with law enforcement. The arrest took place in Richmond, located about 73 miles east of Indianapolis, after authorities served a search warrant.

Washington faces multiple serious charges, including four counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping, and failure to report the discovery of a body. The severity of these charges underscores the heinous nature of the alleged crimes and the state’s commitment to pursuing justice for the victims.

Details of the Crimes Emerge

According to court documents, Washington is accused of strangling Dixon and fatally stabbing and shooting Johnson. Investigators believe that Washington lured the victims into his car, forced them to dispose of their cell phones, and then proceeded to murder them. This calculated approach suggests a premeditated act of revenge against the informants who had aided in the narcotics raid at Washington’s partner’s home.

Cellphone data played a crucial role in tracking the movements and contacts leading to Washington. The victims’ phones went off the network after meeting with the suspect and were later discovered in a trash can, providing a chilling timeline of events leading up to their deaths.

Law Enforcement Response

Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and affirming the department’s commitment to bringing all responsible parties to justice. The police have indicated that this arrest is just the first step in their investigation, suggesting that additional arrests and information may follow.

“Our hearts go out to the families of Christina and Matthew as they endure this tragic loss,” the statement obtained by WTHR read. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to bring justice to them. This arrest is just one step in ensuring that those responsible for such horrific acts are held accountable. We will continue to work tirelessly alongside our partners to ensure that justice is served. Additional arrest and information will follow, and we will not rest until everyone involved is brought to justice.”

This case highlights the dangers faced by confidential informants and the ongoing challenges in balancing the need for insider information in drug investigations with the safety of those who provide it. As the legal proceedings unfold, many in the community are left grappling with the violent aftermath of what began as an effort to combat drug crime in their area.

Washington is scheduled to make his first court appearance, where he will be formally charged. As the case progresses, it will undoubtedly draw attention to the complexities and risks inherent in the use of confidential informants in law enforcement operations.