October 31, 2025 – Washington Co., Wi – Washington County District Attorney Barry J. Braatz announced that on October 30, 2025, a Washington County jury convicted Willie B. Johnson of Mayhem with a Dangerous Weapon, Aggravated Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, False Imprisonment with a Dangerous Weapon, Strangulation and Suffocation, Battery, and Criminal Damage to Property. All charges include a domestic violence enhancer and a repeat offender enhancer.
The convictions stem from December 18, 2022 through December 21, 2022. Over multiple days, the defendant tied the victim’s hands and feet together using a power cord, used a hot knife to burn the victim multiple times on her legs, used a hot stove grate to burn the victim on her back, strangled the victim with a cord, stabbed and battered the victim causing other significant injuries, and held the victim in the residence against her will.
The defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of over 70 years of initial prison confinement. The sentencing date is scheduled for January 23, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Michael S. Kenitz.
“The victim showed tremendous courage in surviving this brutal attack and by testifying; telling the jury of the vicious assault she endured at the hands of the defendant,” said District Attorney Barry Braatz. “I commend her for her bravery and resilience, and I commend the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for their diligent work in helping achieve justice for the victim.”
This case was investigated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, led by Detective Luke Wilhelm, with assistance from the City of Milwaukee Police Department and FBI. This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jeanette K. Corbett.
Resources are available for anyone experiencing domestic violence including the national Domestic Violence hotline: 1-800-799-7233 and locally through FRIENDS, Inc.: 262-334-7298.
