Man charged with killing teenager Riley Whitelaw at a Colorado Springs Walgreens set to go to trial, bail denied

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - The man authorities believe is responsible for ending the life of a teenager at a Colorado Springs Walgreens is going through the court process.

On Wednesday, a judge announced the case against Joshua Johnson will go to trial with an arraignment scheduled for Nov. 15. According to arrest papers, investigators believe Johnson killed 17-year-old Riley Whitelaw at a Walgreens off Centennial and Vindicator. Whitelaw and Johnson were coworkers and Whitelaw reportedly told store managers in 2021 that Johnson was making advances towards her and she was uncomfortable. Whitelaw’s body was found inside the break room of the store on the evening of June 11. Johnson was arrested by state troopers the following day nearly 100 miles outside the city, covered in cuts and bruises. Johnson told troopers he had been attacked at a Walgreens in Colorado Springs.

The judge also denied bail for Johnson. The judge stated in court on Wednesday that Johnson had a clear motive and evidence indicates a crime of passion. The judge pointed to Johnson allegedly stalking Riley as there were no mutual feelings of attraction. The judge added the apparent murder weapon was a match to a weapon found in Johnson’s work locker. The judge also called Whitelaw’s death an “incredibly brutal murder.”

Click here for previous coverage.

A fundraiser on behalf of Whitelaw was created. Click here for more information and to give.

Copyright 2022 KKTV. All rights reserved.