Murder trial begins 34 years later
The man accused of killing a college student more than 34 years ago finally will be in court this week.
Johnny Wright, most recently of Gwinnett County, eluded police for 33 years despite being a suspect in the disappearance of a woman in 1976. Wright, 66, was arrested in September 2009 when he asked Lawrenceville police to conduct a background check for a prospective employer.
The background check turned up an arrest warrant from Missouri dating back to 1985, and Wright was extradited to Missouri. Investigators believe Wright lived in Georgia for several years and raised a family, eluding capture and living under the name Errol Edwards.
Wright is out of jail on bond, but he is in court this week in Boone County, Mo. Jury selection began Tuesday in the murder trial. He faces a second-degree murder charge.
Wright was the last person seen in August 1976 with 23-year-old Rebecca Doisy, an aspiring teacher and part-time waitress. Doisy was taking time off from pursuing her degree at the University of Missouri, her sister previously told the AJC.
"He had been bothering her at work, trying to get her to go out with him," Kathleen Doisy told the AJC. Finally, Becky agreed to have a drink with Wright. She was last seen alive that day: Aug. 5, 1976.
Two days later when she didn't report to work, Rebecca Doisy's family reported her missing. Wright was questioned in her disappearance, but released due to a lack of evidence.
Nine years later, someone came forward with new information in the case, and an arrest warrant was issued. But investigators were unable to track down Wright.
Doisy's body was never found.
-- The Associated Press contributed to this report.
