Murder Suspect Arraigned, Case Transfered to New Haven

The woman accused of stabbing her live-in boyfriend to death last weekend was arraigned in Meriden Superior Court on Tuesday, where her case was transferred to New Haven, where more serious cases are heard, according to court personnel.

Rita Renee Johnson, 51, was charged with murder after police found Lavern Brown, 44, suffering from a stab wound about 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon at their home at 233 Goodrich St., according to police.

Johnson was held in lieu of 500,000.00 bond and was scheduled to appear Monday in Meriden Superior Court but that was postponed until Tuesday because Johnson was reportedly hospitalized after her arrest.

According to a court clerk, Johnson's case was continued to Oct. 23.

The murder is more evidence that more attention needs to be paid to the needs of the southern Hamden community, one community activist said.

"We are sadden by the recent violence that have plagued our community and ask that residents become more vigilant and take proactive measures for security," said Shahid Abdul Karim.

"We calling on our elected officials to not only focus on the fiscal responsibility of their districts, but also engage the community and respond to the social needs of the people."