ST. LOUIS, MO  (November 19, 2025) — A St. Louis jury convicted Robert Johnson, 59, of second-degree murder for killing his wife, Nancy Johnson, on March 17, 2018, in the City’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood.

Jurors found that Johnson caused the fatal injuries that led to Nancy Johnson’s death on April 2, 2018. Evidence showed that Johnson assaulted her inside their home in the 3000 block of Itaska St. in the city’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood, causing extensive bruising, ligature marks consistent with strangulation, and multiple brain injuries. She never regained consciousness after arriving at the hospital. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide.

Police questioned Johnson at the hospital. After waiving his Miranda rights, he initially claimed that his wife fell out of bed. When confronted with the medical findings, he admitted that the two had been drinking and arguing and that he knocked her to the floor multiple times. Officers documented bruising on Johnson’s hand.

“The defendant brutally beat his wife to death. Today’s verdict delivers accountability for a crime that showed extreme violence and cruelty,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “Nancy Johnson deserved safety, and she deserved life. We will continue to pursue justice for victims of domestic violence with this same resolve.”

Johnson faces 10 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole. His sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2026.

Assistant Circuit Attorneys Grant Simon, Allan Kaiser, and Mikayla Jones prosecuted the case.

The defendant’s case number is 1822-CR00960-01.