De Anna Lynn Johnson’s Cold Case Solved & Newsom Pays Reward
Governor Newsom Paid Tipsters in Her Case
The 43-Year Wait for Justice: How Three Brave Tipsters Helped Solve De Anna Lynn Johnson’s Murder
For 43 years, the murder of 14-year-old De Anna Lynn Johnson haunted the quiet community of Vacaville, California. What began as a typical day for a teenage girl in 1982 ended in tragedy that would mystify investigators for decades and leave her family searching for answers that seemed would never come.
The Discovery That Shocked Vacaville
On that fateful day in 1982, De Anna Lynn Johnson’s body was discovered near her home, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit Solano County community. The vibrant 14-year-old student had her whole life ahead of her – dreams, aspirations, and the innocent optimism of youth. Her brutal murder left investigators with few clues and even fewer leads, causing the case to grow cold as years turned into decades.
Despite the passage of time, the Vacaville Police Department and the Solano County District Attorney’s Office refused to let De Anna’s case fade into obscurity. The file remained active, passed down through generations of investigators who continued to hope that someone, somewhere, would come forward with the crucial information needed to crack the case.
A Break in the Case: The Power of Rewards
In 2003, then-Governor Gray Davis issued a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for De Anna’s murder. The reward stood as a beacon of hope – a tangible reminder that justice has no expiration date and that the state of California would never forget its youngest victims.
The reward system, now administered by Governor Gavin Newsom, serves as a critical tool in solving cold cases across California. Under state law, law enforcement agencies can request the Governor to issue rewards in specified unsolved cases where they have exhausted all investigative leads, encouraging individuals with information about crimes to come forward.
The Tip That Changed Everything
The breakthrough came in 2017 – 35 years after De Anna’s murder – when investigators from the Vacaville Police Department and Solano County District Attorney’s Office received new witness statements that would change the course of the investigation. Three individuals, whose identities remain protected, provided crucial information that finally pointed to a suspect: Marvin Markle.
The courage of these three tipsters cannot be overstated. Coming forward with information about a decades-old murder requires tremendous bravery, especially when the case has remained unsolved for so long. Their decision to speak up demonstrates how ordinary citizens can play extraordinary roles in achieving justice.
Justice Delayed, But Not Denied
The investigation that followed the 2017 tip was meticulous and thorough. Investigators worked tirelessly to build a case that could withstand the scrutiny of a courtroom, even after the passage of more than four decades. Their dedication exemplifies the commitment of law enforcement to never giving up on victims, regardless of how much time has passed.
In 2025 – 43 years after De Anna’s death – Marvin Markle was finally convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. The conviction brought closure to a case that had haunted the Vacaville community for generations and proved that justice, while sometimes delayed, is never truly out of reach.
The Reward: Recognition for Courage
On December 22, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the $50,000 reward payout to the three individuals whose information proved instrumental in solving the case. The payment serves not only as compensation for their crucial role but also as an encouragement for others who might be holding onto information about unsolved crimes.
“After 43 years, justice has prevailed for De Anna Lynn Johnson – at just 14 years old, her life was taken far too soon,” Governor Newsom stated. “I am thankful that our law enforcement partners and prosecutors never gave up hope and spent decades in order to provide closure to her family, while honoring her memory.”
Solano County District Attorney Krishna Abrams echoed the Governor’s sentiments: “The murder of De Anna Lynn Johnson, a young Vacaville student, rocked our entire community. I am grateful for the dedicated work of the men and women of the Vacaville Police Department and the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, who after all of these years, never gave up on the pursuit for justice. I’m especially thankful for the citizens who were willing to come forward as they helped bring closure to De Anna Lynn’s loved ones after 40+ years.”
A Legacy of Hope
The resolution of De Anna Lynn Johnson’s murder serves as a powerful reminder that cold cases are never truly closed. Advances in forensic technology, changing relationships among witnesses, and the simple passage of time can all contribute to new opportunities for justice. The reward system provides an additional incentive for those with information to come forward, even years after crimes have been committed.
The case also highlights the importance of community involvement in solving crimes. Law enforcement agencies across California continue to seek public assistance in unsolved cases, with Governor Newsom currently offering additional $50,000 rewards for information leading to arrests and convictions in other cold cases, including the 2009 murder of 16-year-old Antonio Nunez in Oakland and the 2018 murder of 28-year-old Arthur Jordan in San Diego.
For the family of De Anna Lynn Johnson, the conviction represents the end of a 43-year journey filled with questions, grief, and uncertainty. While nothing can bring back their beloved daughter, sister, and friend, they can finally find solace in knowing that her killer has been brought to justice.
The story of De Anna’s case serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope – a reminder that justice may be delayed, but with persistence, dedication, and community cooperation, it need never be denied. As this case demonstrates, even the coldest of cold cases can be solved when brave individuals step forward with the right information at the right time.
If you have information about any unsolved crime, contact your local law enforcement agency. You could be the key to bringing justice to victims and closure to families who have waited years for answers.