Houston Criminal Justice Missing: Judge Kelli Johnson Involved in HPD Call Requiring Crisis Intervention, Report Says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — One of Harris County’s longest-serving current judges hasn’t been to the courthouse in weeks.

ABC13 has learned that Judge Kelli Johnson has been absent from the 178th District Court since May 1.

The high-profile judge has recently presided over some of the most important trials and had another on the docket before a reset.

Amanda Cain, communications director for the Administrative Office of the District Courts, initially told ABC13 “No comment” when asked about the judge’s absence. Nine days later, however, she said, “Judge Johnson is absent for personal reasons.”

ABC13 spoke with people who work at the courthouse. One described Johnson’s manic behavior and said: “She is a danger to herself and the community.” »

A May 4 Houston police report described Johnson’s involvement in an incident near his home. One officer cited “disruption/CIT,” a police acronym for crisis intervention.

“At the end of the day, one of the responsibilities of the judge is to be able to serve,” said Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University.

Whatever happens, Jones said Harris County residents are owed more explanation or context.

“We already know that our Harris County courts are severely overloaded and, therefore, any missing judge means business stops in their court,” Jones said. “The end result is a delay in justice, both for victims and those accused of crimes.”

A guest judge handled some court cases and last week, retired Judge Jim Wallace presided over a trial.

Judge Susan Brown, the area’s administrative law judge, would not say whether there is a timetable for Johnson’s return.

Voters elected Johnson to the bench in 2016. Last month, she convicted Brian Coulter of murdering his girlfriend’s young son. She also served as a judge in all three AJ Armstrong capital murder trial.

SEE MORE: Judge takes 20 minutes to sentence man for ‘horrific’ death of 8-year-old in 2020

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