Knoxville Man Gets Life Sentence for 2023 Double Murder

The case centers on 22-year-old Madison Johnson and 21-year-old Heidi Johnson, who were found dead inside a home on the 400 block of Woodlawn Pike in May of 2023. (Courtesy: TBI)

Knoxville Man Gets Life Sentence for 2023 Double Murder

Posted on June 16, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A Knoxville man gets a life sentence Monday for a 2023 double murder.

The sentencing — life in prison without parole — came after Jair Romario Martin pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated kidnapping and one count each of criminal impersonation and evading arrest in the shooting deaths of 22-year-old Madison Johnson and 21-year-old Heidi Johnson at a South Knoxville home in May of 2023.

A news release from District Attorney General Charme Allen said one of the victims had called her mother over FaceTime and was still on the phone with her when Martin said “I am going to murder you,” then shot both women. He also stabbed one in the head with a carving fork, Allen’s release said.

“The lengthy sentence in this case ensures this defendant will never be able to harm another member of our community,” said Allen.

Martin is scheduled to be sentenced on the remaining charges on August 22.

The case centers on 22-year-old Madison Johnson and 21-year-old Heidi Johnson, who were found dead inside a home on the 400 block of Woodlawn Pike in May of 2023. (Courtesy: TBI)

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