GREAT BEND TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A 29-year-old Susquehanna County man has been charged with the fatal shootings of his uncle and two other men following a violent incident Monday evening in Great Bend Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Authorities identified the suspect as Garrett Austin Johnson, 29, of Great Bend Township, who now faces three counts of criminal homicide along with additional charges stemming from the incident.
According to court documents and an arrest affidavit, Johnson allegedly made a startling admission to responding troopers after being taken into custody, telling officers, “I killed everyone I love.”
Victims Identified
Officials identified the three victims as:
- Philip Johnson, 61, of Hallstead
- Kevin Igo, 26, of Susquehanna
- Frank Talarico Jr., 31, of Binghamton, New York, formerly of Florida
Acting Susquehanna County Coroner Jessica Chiaramonte confirmed the identities of the deceased and said autopsies were scheduled to be conducted Wednesday.
Emergency Calls Lead Troopers to Scene
The investigation began shortly after 6 p.m. Monday when authorities received reports of a man behaving erratically along Baptist Hill Road in Great Bend Township.
According to the arrest affidavit, a witness contacted emergency dispatchers after observing a shirtless man wearing dark gym shorts standing in the roadway and screaming.
A second call soon followed from Adam Johnson, the suspect’s father, who reportedly informed authorities that there were three bodies at his residence and that his son had been seen running down the road carrying an AR-15-style rifle.
Adam Johnson told investigators he was able to confront his son and take possession of the firearm before police arrived.
Suspect Allegedly Resisted Arrest
When state troopers arrived at the scene, they encountered a man matching the description provided by witnesses.
Investigators said Garrett Johnson ran toward responding patrol vehicles and jumped onto the hood of one of the police cruisers.
According to police, Johnson resisted officers’ attempts to arrest him and was eventually subdued with a Taser. Emergency medical personnel were later called to the scene to sedate him after he continued resisting.
It was during this interaction, authorities said, that Johnson allegedly made statements indicating responsibility for the deaths.
Three Bodies Found at Residence
Following Johnson’s reported admission, troopers proceeded to a residence located along Baptist Hill Road.
There, investigators discovered the bodies of three men suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
According to the affidavit, two victims were located on the rear porch of the property, while a third was found a short distance away on the lawn.
All three men were pronounced dead at the scene.
Parents Describe Son’s Erratic Behavior
Investigators later interviewed Adam and Nancy Johnson, who described increasingly unusual and aggressive behavior exhibited by their son earlier in the day.
According to the affidavit, Garrett Johnson had taken his vehicle to a local service center for an inspection around midday. However, the inspection reportedly could not be completed after employees discovered discrepancies involving the vehicle’s registration and identification information.
Authorities said Johnson’s parents later left their home to retrieve the vehicle.
Prior to their departure, Adam Johnson told investigators he had been at home with his wife, his son, his brother Philip Johnson, and two of Garrett Johnson’s friends, Kevin Igo and Frank Talarico Jr.
While returning home, Adam Johnson reportedly encountered his son standing in the middle of Baptist Hill Road without a shirt or shoes.
Investigators said Adam Johnson attempted to speak with him but found him yelling incoherently and acting irrationally.
According to the affidavit, Garrett Johnson allegedly struck his father during the confrontation.
Nancy Johnson told investigators she also exited her vehicle to determine what was happening and was allegedly punched by her son.
After returning to her vehicle, Nancy Johnson said she noticed a rifle lying in the roadway. She retrieved the firearm and continued toward the family residence.
Discovery of the Victims
Upon arriving home, Adam and Nancy Johnson made a grim discovery.
According to investigators, the couple walked to the rear deck of the property and found two deceased men, including Adam Johnson’s brother, Philip.
Nancy Johnson reportedly returned to her vehicle, secured the rifle, and hid it in the basement out of concern that her son might return.
Police later recovered the weapon as part of the investigation.
Interview Ends After Suspect Requests Attorney
State police attempted to interview Garrett Johnson at the Gibson Barracks during the early morning hours Tuesday.
According to the affidavit, investigators began advising Johnson of his Miranda rights when he reportedly indicated that he understood the seriousness of his situation.
Johnson subsequently invoked his right to legal counsel, and questioning was immediately terminated.
Charges Filed
Garrett Johnson was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Jodi L. Cordner on:
- Three counts of criminal homicide
- Simple assault
- Resisting arrest
- Recklessly endangering another person
Following arraignment, Johnson was ordered held without bail and transported to the Lackawanna County Prison, where he remains pending further court proceedings.
Investigation Continues
Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shootings.
Authorities have not yet released information regarding a possible motive, and additional details may emerge as the case proceeds through the judicial system.
The deaths of Philip Johnson, Kevin Igo, and Frank Talarico Jr. have left family members and community residents mourning a tragedy that unfolded in a quiet section of Susquehanna County and has shocked those who knew the victims.
