Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Former PC dies after inquiry into missing wife is reopened

Sunday 21 September 1997 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former PC dies after inquiry into missing wife is reopened

A former policeman who was being investigated over his wife's disappearance 26 years ago has died after suffering a heart attack at his home in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire.

Michael Johnson, 52, a former police constable, was arrested last week by detectives who had reopened the investigation into the disappearance of his wife, Caroline, in 1971. Caroline, a cook and dietician, was 25 when she vanished from the family home. Mr Johnson, who claimed that he and she had had a row and that she walked out, leaving him with their two daughters, aged two and four, was questioned for 24 hours last week while forensic experts searched his home and garden. Officers said they reopened the case after advances in scientific search techniques.

Mr Johnson, who left the police in 1974, had the heart attack early yesterday. His current wife, Angela, called emergency services but he was dead on arrival at Southampton General Hospital.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in