Anthony Lorenzo “Bunny” Johnson (top) was found dead along the Rivanna in early 2005. Joseph Michael Harris, 22, (bottom) has been indicted for his murder.
FILE PHOTO BY JEN FARIELLO, MUGSHOTS ALBEMARLE POLICE

Ever since a woman walking her dog on Free Bridge Lane discovered the body of Anthony Lorenzo Johnson on the ground beside his ‘81 Buick Regal back on February 21, 2005, the case has remained open for Albemarle police. That changed December 6, when an Albemarle grand jury indicted a man who would have been a minor when he allegedly killed Johnson.

Nearly six years later, Joseph Michael Harris, now 22, has been charged with first-degree murder and three other felonies in the homicide and robbery of Johnson, 22, whom his family called “Bunny.”

Over the years, Albemarle police worked with Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents in investigating the case, according to a release.

Johnson, who was from the tiny James River town of Columbia, worked for Piedmont Concrete at the time of his death, and he left three children. He’d been shot once in the head. The investigation is ongoing, say police.

“It’s nice to be able to give a little bit of closure to the Johnson family,” says Albemarle Lieutenant Greg Jenkins.