Kristen Johnson, left, and Lucas Johnson (Routt County Sheriff)

Wife formally charged in death of Routt County resident, pot theft

Prosecutors Thursday formally charged a 40-year-old woman with murder in the slaying of a long-time Routt County resident roughly a week after handing down charges against her husband in the same case.

Kristen Johnson faces allegations including first-degree murder, second-degree burglary, child abuse and possession of more than 50 pounds of marijuana with intent to distribute.

The 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced the formal charges in a news release on Friday.

According to the release, Johnson’s murder charge specifically stems from accusations that she was complicit in the murder, which officials say occurred during a burglary.

Johnson’s husband, 38-year-old Lucas Johnson, was charged March 19 with similar counts — including two counts of first-degree murder — in the case.

The Johnsons were arrested March 3 and accused in the death of Edward Zimmerman, whose remains were found outside a home near Steamboat Springs.

Zimmerman, who was shot in the face, strangled and beaten, had been reported missing five days earlier after missing work.

Zimmerman’s sister, Robin Mizerak, who lives in Florida, told Steamboat Today earlier this month that Zimmerman had been growing a large amount of marijuana at his home, and it appeared some of his marijuana had been chopped down and stolen.

Officials say the Johnsons broke into Zimmerman’s home and stole his marijuana worth up to $20,000.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or twitter.com/JesseAPaul

This story was first published on DenverPost.com