Family member says 1 of 2 arrested in woman's death is victim's daughter

EAST PITTSBURGH, Pa. — A man and a woman were arrested Friday night in connection with the death of a woman found dead Thursday inside her East Pittsburgh apartment. A family member told Channel 11's Catherine Varnum that the woman is the victim's daughter.

Police were called to the 500 block of Bessemer Avenue to check on a woman who lived in an upstairs apartment.

Investigators told Channel 11’s Aaron Martin that the victim had multiple stab wounds, and there was decomposition occurring around the body. %

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Police found the body after family members called and asked for them to do a welfare check on her.

The medical examiner’s office identified the victim as 58-year-old Brenda Johnson. Neighbors in the area told Channel 11 News that she was well liked.

"She didn't deserve this. She minded her business and didn't bother anybody. I just don't even understand how this happened or why it happened," said Denisha Seymore, who knew Johnson as “Ms. Brenda.”

Johnson lived above Terrace Lounge, a well-known bar that closed more than two years ago shortly after a triple shooting occurred outside the building.

Following an autopsy, the Allegheny County medical examiner ruled Johnson’s death a homicide from multiple stab wounds.

Authorities said that Johnson died during an altercation with Catherine Grier, 19, and is something her brother Ronald Johnson doesn’t want to accept.

"My sister is no killer. No mass murderer. Nothing like that. She's a child. That was her mother. Her favorite best friend. If you check, they were always together,” said Ronald.

County police said Grier will be charged with criminal homicide, tampering with evidence and conspiracy.  %

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One of Johnson’s sons told Varnum that Grier is his sister and Johnson’s daughter.

Ronald said he supports his sister and that she isn’t a violent person.

"My sister is a straight-A student, went to a scholar science school, sweet, no kids (and) not into the streets," said Ronald.

Police said in addition to Grier, Keith Blackman, 23, will be charged with tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse and conspiracy.  %

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Grier and Blackman were lodged at the Allegheny County Jail Friday night to await arraignment.

"It's just sad. It's my mom and my baby sister. I lost two important women in my life," said Ronald.

Cox Media Group