ST. LOUIS — A man was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the deadly beating of a woman with whom he was previously in an intimate relationship.
Eric Darrell Johnson, 41, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the Feb. 6 assault of 35-year-old Cherish Lappin that led to her death about a week later.
According to charging documents, police began their investigation after Lappin was dropped off at an area hospital on Feb. 6 with significant injuries. She was pronounced dead on Feb. 14.
During their investigation, a woman told police Johnson approached her and asked for help caring for Lappin. The woman told police Johnson then "indicated he had beaten her with his hands and a gun."
A second witness told police he saw Johnson beat the victim on multiple occasions in the days before Lappin was dropped off at the hospital.
Police found an abandoned home where the alleged assault happened and saw an extensive amount of blood. Both Johnson and Lappin were unhoused at the time of the assault, according to charging documents.
Johnson was taken into custody and was charged on Thursday. He is being held without bond.
Resources for those experiencing domestic violence
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the Safe Connections Crisis Helpline at 314-531-2003. You can also text that number from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, free of charge.
Alternatives to Living In Violent Environments also has a crisis line at 314-993-2777. ALIVE also has hotline specifically for those in Franklin County at 800-941-9144.
The Women's Safe House can be reached 24 hours a day at 314-772-4535.
