ST. LOUIS — A woman fatally stabbed her ex-boyfriend, Charles M. Johnson II, after forcing her way into the back door of a Walnut Park neighborhood home in 2022.
More than two years later, the victim's family finally got some measure of justice when Carla Welch pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder charges.
A statement from the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office said Welch was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
The 35-year-old St. Louis County woman got 15 years for second-degree murder and an additional three years for armed criminal action.
“This case is stark reminder that toxic relationships, fueled by jealousy, can easily devolve into fatal aggression,” Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore said. “Domestic violence has a devastating impact not only on those directly involved, but also on their families and social circles.”
Welch's plea averted a trial that was set for this week.
Welch also faced a burglary charge, but the Circuit Attorney's Office elected not to proceed with that prosecution, court records said.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case.
The City of St. Louis's website features a list of resources for people who need help with domestic or family violence situations. Here are a few of those resources.
Alternatives to Living In Violent Environments, known by its acronym ALIVE, helps domestic abuse survivors and their children with counseling, emergency shelter, and other critical services. Call their 24/7 emergency hotline by dialing 314.993.2777.
Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation, known as 2DEF, provides housing, rental assistance, trauma relief counseling, literacy education, safety planning and other resources to women and children impacted by domestic violence. Call their emergency hotline at 1.800.799.7299 or text "LOVEIS" to 22522.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Domestic Abuse Response Team, DART, investigates and reports domestic abuse cases, stalking, orders of protection violations and other incidents where the perpetrator is a current or prior partner or spouse. They also handle elder abuse cases. Reach them by calling 314.444.5833
