RIPLEY, Tenn. — A Tennessee inmate will spend life in prison without parole for the rape and murder of a corrections administrator.
Curtis Ray Watson pleaded no contest Monday to a charge of first-degree murder in the perpetration of a rape. He also pleaded no contest to aggravated rape, and he pleaded guilty to seven additional charges, including aggravated burglary and escape. On August 7, 2019, Johnson was found dead in her home, which was on the West Tennessee State Penitentiary grounds. She was sexually assaulted and strangled, according to a forensic examination.
In a deal with prosecutors, Watson will spend life in prison without parole.
Family members of victim Debra Johnson sat in on Monday’s plea hearing, with Johnson on their minds. They describe as a loving mother, friend and advocate for change on their minds. Watson was indicted on 15 criminal counts ranging from theft to murder.
”We believe that today’s convictions and sentence in life in prison without the possibility of parole plus 25 years in prison is justice being served for the family of Debra Johnson,” said Lauderdale County District Attorney Mark Davidson.
Watson waived his right to a jury trial and pleaded no contest to the charge of first-degree murder in the perpetration of rape, aggravated rape and pleaded guilty to seven other charges. The inmate escaped from the West Tennessee State Penitentiary in August of 2019 and was captured five days later. Johnson was found in her home on the grounds of the penitentiary sexually assaulted and strangled.
“Obviously today is very bittersweet,” commented Dr. Shernaye Johnson, the victim’s daughter. “We’re definitely glad that he acknowledged some accountability for his role in the murder of my mother.”
Dr. Johnson said she’s glad this chapter has closed and the family can move on. At the end of the hearing, the judge allowed Watson to make a statement.
“I just want to apologize to everybody, the Johnson family and the state of Tennessee, and all the officers at the penitentiary,” said Watson. “My apologies, please forgive me for everything I’ve ever done.”
Johnson's family said an acceptance will take some time and they now can begin the healing process.
“I can’t say that I necessarily accept his apology,” said Dr. Johnson. “That’s something that is going to take time. I definitely hope and pray in the future that I can definitely accept it wholeheartedly. But just right now can I say that I accept it? I just can’t say that I can right now.”
TDOC said it will ensure that the orders of the court are carried out and the inmate is housed according to policy and supervised appropriately.
In a statement to Local 24 News, the Tennessee Department of Correction said,
With today’s guilty plea, the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) is reminded of the tremendous loss of our colleague and friend and her dedicated service to the state of Tennessee. We will always remember CA Johnson’s distinguished 38-year career and the countless lives she impacted through her leadership.
“Debra loved being a part of the Tennessee Department of Correction but more importantly she loved the staff and cared deeply about improving the lives of incarcerated people,” Commissioner Tony Parker said.”
She held the admiration and respect of her colleagues and was regarded as a knowledgeable professional who worked tirelessly to support and coach offenders in their rehabilitation. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend. Her absence is felt each day within our agency.”
As a result of today’s guilty plea, the Department of Correction will ensure that the orders of the court are carried out and the inmate is housed according to policy and supervised appropriately. The TDOC is grateful to our law enforcement partners for their support during this time.
