DNA leads to arrest of former next-door neighbor in 1994 cold case murder of North Texas woman, Irving police say
A cold case that has haunted the city of Irving for three decades has finally been solved, thanks to modern DNA technology and a renewed investigation into old evidence.
Irving PD said Wednesday that 61-year-old Darryl Patrick Goggans is charged with capital murder in the 1994 fatal stabbing of Megan Beth Johns. Goggans was Johns' neighbor at the time of her death.
The department held a news conference Wednesday to update the public on Goggans' arrest. Police said he was taken into custody in Lancaster.
Investigation begins after Johns doesn't show up for work
According to police, on Oct. 5, 1994, Johns' coworkers called her apartment complex in the 3000 block of West Walnut Hill Lane after she did not show up for work that morning.
Police said the maintenance worker at the complex went to Johns' apartment to check on her, and when he opened the sliding glass door at the back of her apartment, he found her body.
When officers arrived, Johns was found lying face down on her living room floor with multiple stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Despite recovering DNA evidence at the time, the case went cold for years when no match was found.
In a news release, Irving PD said, "It was always believed, due to lack of evidence suggesting forced entry, that Johns knew her attacker."
In a on the 29th anniversary of Johns' cold case, police described the crime scene. Police said Johns' home was ransacked, and they believed she put up a fight when she was attacked.
Irving PD said within 48 hours of the crime, detectives spoke to neighbors, coworkers, friends and family members.
DNA links Goggans to the case
Irving PD said during a recent review of the evidence in Johns' case, a sample was tested and yielded a DNA profile.
The profile was entered into the Combined DNA Index System, a national DNA database, and matched with Goggans, police said.
"For 30 years, justice has been patient," said Irving Police Chief Derick Miller. "But justice does not forget."
Johns' best friend, Kelly Chance, said the news was an answered prayer.
"Finally, finally we're here," she said. "And I just busted out in tears."
Retired Irving police Sgt. Tom Rowan, who had worked the case for years, said Goggans was never considered a suspect back in 1994. Now, after decades of waiting, he called the arrest a huge weight lifted.
"I wish Megan was still here," Rowan said, holding back tears.
Johns' half-sister, Bridget Johns Scott, was just 9 years old when her sister was killed. She said the work and dedication from the detectives never went unnoticed.
"When I showed up here again, unannounced, Sgt. Rowan had a picture of Megan in his personal wallet," she said. "It's a testament to how passionate these detectives are about unsolved cases."
Her family hopes the case serves as a reminder to others that justice delayed is still justice delivered.
"It's closure that's long overdue for us," Chance said. "I encourage family members in the same position to do exactly what we did, continue to call, continue to ask, continue to advocate and be a voice when they don't have one."
Irving police say a motive in the killing remains unclear.
Goggans was arrested on Tuesday, June 10, and is currently in custody at the Irving City Jail.
"Thanks to the collective effort from family, friends, media, and law enforcement, Megan Johns' case was never forgotten, and justice will finally be served," Irving PD said in a statement.
Police ask anyone with information concerning Goggans' involvement in the murder of Johns to call 972-721-3539 or email ECurtis@IrvingTX.gov. You can also stay anonymous by submitting a tip to IPDCrimeTips@IrvingTX.gov.
