A man accused of raping and strangling a woman in a parked car in Norge in 2016 has been indicted for attempted first-degree murder.
Christopher Rashad Johnson, 32, was indicted in November on a charge of first degree murder, according to Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court records. He is also charged with strangulation and rape.
He is scheduled for a two-day jury trial April 19.
According to the direct indictment, Johnson “willfully, deliberately, and with premeditation, attempted to kill and murder N.M.”
The charges stem from an Aug. 17, 2016 incident in which Johnson allegedly choked, punched, then raped a woman in a quiet area at the end of Cokes Lane in Norge, according to police reports and court documents.
According to the criminal complaint, the victim previously dated Johnson, and agreed to meet with him in Williamsburg on Aug. 17. They went to a laundromat, Cook Out drive-thru and the Norge Farm Fresh, where they bought Black & Mild cigars and alcohol.
After going to the Farm Fresh, Johnson had the victim drive to the end of Cokes Lane, where they kissed. The victim allowed him to kiss her, but said she did not want to have sex with him when he asked her, the criminal complaint said.
The complaint states Johnson then choked the victim until she became lightheaded, punched her in the left cheek, which stunned her, and turned her over. He then raped her, the criminal complaint says.
Johnson has previously been convicted of abduction, assault, gang recruiting and other felony and misdemeanor charges, according to a criminal history filed in circuit court.
Fearing can be reached at sarah.f@localvoicemedia.com.
