GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Police identified the man who was stabbed to death at an apartment early Friday morning as we learn more about the suspect in the case.
Police were called early Friday morning to Millbrook Apartments in the 900 block of Pastiche Drive SE at around 12:45 a.m.
According to investigators, the victim 33-year-old James Arthur Washington was found inside the apartment with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a GRPD news release, “Witnesses indicated that Washington had been involved in a fight with a female in the apartment. The female, who also lived at the apartment, stabbed Washington and fled the scene before the arrival of officers. While at the scene, the suspect was located in the area and taken into custody without incident.”
FOX 17 News has learned the suspect is 36-year-old Janaya Johnson. According to Michigan State Police records, she is being held on a felony homicide charge. She also has a criminal history. Johnson was convicted in 1997 with Misdemeanor Assault or Assault and Battery in Battle Creek. In 2004, also in Battle Creek, she was convicted of Malicious Destruction of Personal Property.
Officers did not disclose the nature of her relationship to the victim.
As for the victim, jail records show Washington was released from the Kent County Jail August 12th. He was being held on a ‘parole hold.’ He has past convictions of second degree criminal sexual conduct and assault with a dangerous weapon.
His autopsy is scheduled for Friday.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 616-456-3604.
