In April 1999, U.S. Army veteran Roberta Johnson was joyfully anticipating some major milestones for her family, including the imminent birth of her son who was due any day as well as watching her then-17-year-old daughter, Arkeisha, collect her high school diploma at her upcoming graduation. But on April 26th, Roberta’s body was found in a shallow grave off a dirt road. Investigators think one man may hold the answers to her murder … except he hasn’t been willing to talk for over two decades.
Courtesy of Marion County Florida Cold Cases
Episode Info
If you have any information about the April 1999 murder of Roberta Johnson and her unborn child or have additional insight into her relationship with Drayton Florence Sr. you’re asked to contact Marion County Sheriff’s Detective Daniel Pinder at 352-368-3508.
Map (not to scale) showing the following locations: where Roberta’s car was recovered (BLUE), where her purse was found (RED) and where her remains were discovered (TOP LEFT). Photo Source: Google Maps/audiochuck staff
In memoriam photo placard produced by Marion County Cold Case Unit. Photo Source: Marion County Sherriff's Office
Undated portrait of Roberta Johnson. Photo Source: Arkeisha Johnson
Undated portrait of Roberta Johnson. Photo Source: Arkeisha Johnson
Evidence photos of the crime scene showing the car hood used to cover the shallow grave where Roberta Johnson was buried. Photo Source: Marion County Sherriff's Office
Evidence photos of the crime scene showing the car hood used to cover the shallow grave where Roberta Johnson was buried. Photo Source: Marion County Sherriff's Office
Newspaper article published April 27th, 1999 in the Ocala Star-Banner about Roberta Johnson’s remains being discovered. (1 of 2) Photo Source: Ocala Star Banner
Newspaper article published April 27th, 1999 in the Ocala Star-Banner about Roberta Johnson’s remains being discovered. (2 of 2) Photo Source: Ocala Star Banner
Episode Source Material
In-person interview with Marion County Sheriff’s Detective Daniel Pinder.
Remote interview via Zoom with Arkeisha Johnson.
“MCSO seeking clues in cold case of mother found dead 17 years ago,” Villages-News