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Man charged with kidnapping, killing cab driver

Posted August 08, 2014 1:01 am

Associated Press

LA CROSSE, Wis. - Criminal charges have been filed in La Crosse County against a man accused of killing a cab driver and leading police on a high-speed chase.

Prosecutors say Timmy Johnson Jr. admitted killing 79-year-old Merle Forbes in June after calling him for a ride in Platteville. Johnson is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, kidnapping and armed robbery. He's accused of stabbing Forbes and putting him in the trunk of the taxi.

The La Crosse Tribune reports a criminal complaint says Johnson could hear the dying man moaning in the trunk as he headed for La Crosse. Police say Johnson fled from a La Crosse police officer who had checked the vehicle's registration. Authorities say speeds reached 115 mph before Johnson hit an SUV in Holmen and was arrested.

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