Clayton Man Nehemiah Johnson Jr charged with killing Riverdale mom Rochelle Thomas

A man has been charged with killing a Riverdale mother of two who was dumped behind an apartment complex.

Nehemiah Johnson Jr. was charged Friday with murder and aggravated assault in the death of 30-year-old Rochelle Thomas. Police are still working on a motive but believe he may have argued with Thomas over services related to her massage business before strangling her in a Jonesboro apartment.

At Johnson’s first court appearance Saturday moing, he was denied bond. He was already jailed on kidnapping, burglary and battery charges unrelated to Thomas’ case.

Rochelle Thomas

Police are also looking into whether another suspect retued to the apartment and destroyed evidence. That person, Johnson’s relative, was hospitalized for an undisclosed medical condition which developed during questioning, police said.

”We have identified one person as a primary suspect who we feel is heavily implicated in the actual murder and another suspect who is involved in the destruction of evidence, Jonesboro Police Chief Franklin Allen said.

Thomas’ body was found in a wooded area Wednesday night. The single mother was last seen dropping off her sons at the bus stop. Her family was relieved to know police think they’ve found her killer.

”I don't want to shed anymore tears, everything is much better know, Thomas’ mother, Beverly, said.

Johnson's next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 14.