State police arrest suspect in 33-year-old cold case

KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State Police along with King and Queen County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office have confirmed an arrest in a near 33-year-old cold case. On Oct. 10, 2024, VSP deputies arrested 62-year-old Ives T. Fortune of Tappahannock after a grand jury indictment for the rape and malicious wounding of Jennie Lee Johnson of King and Queen County. According to state police, Johnson was last seen alive on Nov. 22, 1991, after leaving a friend's house. She never returned home. State police said her body was found the next day on Nov. 23, 1991, in a field nearby Newtown Road. VSP's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Richmond Field Office has been following and investigating the homicide since the discovery. “I am proud of the dedication and the hours agents and analysts put into this case and every case,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police.  “We are pleased to be able to start to give Ms. Johnson’s family some closure.” The suspect, Fortune, is currently being held at Middle Peninsula Regional Security Center and will be scheduled to appear at King and Queen County Circuit Court on Wednesday, Oct. 23.