CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Searchers have found the body of a 16-year-old girl who was missing after being swept away Friday in a swollen creek, NBC station WCNC reported.

She and another woman, who also drowned, were chased from a clothing store.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they received a report of a larceny about 2:20 p.m. Friday at the Burlington Coat Factory in Crown Point Plaza shopping center off East Independence Boulevard.

When police arrived, one person was already in custody. But two others, police said, had fled. A security guard ran after the two others, apparently chasing them behind the shopping center, down an embankment and into a creek that rose quickly after heavy rain Friday.

The security guard was able to escape the creek and told authorities where he last saw them. About 4 p.m. Friday, firefighters found 43-year-old Gracie Nell Johnson about an eighth of a mile from where officials said she entered the creek.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. Records show Gracie was arrested June 30, charged with felony common law robbery. She was convicted of misdemeanor larceny in 2008, according to the N.C. Department of Correction.

Police sources said searchers walking on foot along the creek's banks found the 16-year-old's body about 1:40 p.m. Saturday. The teen has been identified as Rianna Johnson. They found Rianna behind 2108 Crown View Court.

Normally the creek is so shallow one could easily walk across it, said Charlotte Fire Capt. Rob Brisley. But on Friday, it had swollen to about 14 feet deep after heavy rain pounded the Charlotte area.

The security guard was apparently unharmed. A police crime scene van was parked in front of Burlington Coat Factory on Friday night, as customers continued their shopping.

Employees referred questions to the store's corporate office, which could not be immediately reached for comment.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id...l_news-charlotte_nc/

Wouldn't this make the Guard liable for her death?

I mean, he admitted to chasing her into the creek right?

I'm not even getting into the shoplifting part here since they were not convicted.

Brad

Good for them Darwin loves to hand out awards!

quote Originally posted by twofatguys: Wouldn't this make the Guard liable for her death? I mean, he admitted to chasing her into the creek right? I'm not even getting into the shoplifting part here since they were not convicted. Brad

Last i heard, unless they are actual police offensives they have to stop at the edge of the property since that is where their jurisdiction runs out. Rules might have changed since then. If the creek was on property, they were within their 'bounds'.

And i agree, they are *suspects* until proven guilty. It is how the system works ( and should )

[This message has been edited by User00013170 (edited 08-07-2011).]

A 43 yr old and a 16 yr old with the same last names. Mother/daughter? Aunt/Neice? Sisters? Cousins? Unrelated?

quote Originally posted by maryjane: A 43 yr old and a 16 yr old with the same last names. Mother/daughter? Aunt/Neice? Sisters? Cousins? Unrelated?

yes you could be right,I have read stories about mother daughter teams.

A San Antonio police officer, while in pursuit of suspects, drowned in a swollen creek while chasing them across it. I believe it is now a chargeable offense to a suspect that they can be charged with Capital Murder. As they know their action might lead to harm for an officer.
One might think these gals did not deserve to die for the mere act of stealing clothes. They didn't need to run either.

[This message has been edited by cliffw (edited 08-07-2011).]

Aww...a couple thieves tripped and fell into a river after ripping somebody off......Yeh, well...maybee I will start believing in divine justice,

quote Originally posted by cliffw: A San Antonio police officer, while in pursuit of suspects, drowned in a swollen creek while chasing them across it. I believe it is now a chargeable offense to a suspect that they can be charged with Capital Murder. As they know their action might lead to harm for an officer. One might think this gal did not deserve to die for the mere act of stealing clothes. She didn't need to run either.

Ok, i think that is going a bit far, charging the susepects for murder beacuse the cop drowned ( unless they fought him and held him under ) as it was his *choice* to pursue.

In this story just because you run doesn't mean you deserve to die either. And they were not convicted either, they were not criminals, they were *suspects*. and not all suspects are guilty.

[This message has been edited by User00013170 (edited 08-07-2011).]

quote Originally posted by cliffw: One might think these gals did not deserve to die for the mere act of stealing clothes. They didn't need to run either.

This of course, is what the entire episode will turn into, a debate on their death, with very little discourse applied to the choices they did or did not make. Some of the articles I read this morning say it was the police that the 2 were running from, as the security guard stopped at the edge of the outlet mall property. It is reported that it was only after the police arrived that the women continued to run and entered the creek.

quote Originally posted by User00013170: Ok, i think that is going a bit far, charging the susepects for murder beacuse the cop drowned ( unless they fought him and held him under ) as it was his *choice* to pursue. In this story just because you run doesn't mean you deserve to die either. And they were not convicted either, they were not criminals, they were *suspects*. and not all suspects are guilty.

its beyond a bit far, Nurb....but in case you hadnet noticed, the entire world has slipped down Alices rabbit hole into insanaty,,,,,the white rabbit is in charge of the red queen...down the hole we go.

quote Originally posted by User00013170: Ok, i think that is going a bit far, charging the susepects for murder beacuse the cop drowned ( unless they fought him and held him under ) as it was his *choice* to pursue. In this story just because you run doesn't mean you deserve to die either. And they were not convicted either, they were not criminals, they were *suspects*. and not all suspects are guilty.

"Hmm--do I give up--take my day in court--prove my innocence--or jump into a swolen creek?"

Choices--choices.

The one thing we know for sure, is that the 3rd person mentioned in the article (taken into custody) is still alive today.

Since she was already a criminal with a record, I could care less what happened to her and her daughter......the important thing is if the store got the stolen clothes back.

Could the third suspect be charged with their deaths because they happened during the commission of a crime?

quote Originally posted by avengador1: Could the third suspect be charged with their deaths because they happened during the commission of a crime?

I looked into this story a little more and as usual, this will be probably a racial case where "My baby was an angel and didn't hurt anyone". I'm sure the 3rd suspect will walk away.

crime kills?

quote Originally posted by IMSA GT: Since she was already a criminal with a record, I could care less what happened to her and her daughter......the important thing is if the store got the stolen clothes back.

So their deaths are worth it if the store gets back their 20 dollar shirt.

so life = $20 ( plus tax )

quote Originally posted by User00013170: So their deaths are worth it if the store gets back their 20 dollar shirt. so life = $20 ( plus tax )

Life is precious, but it also comes with responsibility. Everyday, we make choices. Steal a shirt, or not. Run out of the store, or not. Jump into an overflowing creek to escape, or not.
Who we are is the sum of the choices we have made. At any time, many of the choices we make daily could end our lives. Most of us choose wisely and nothing is ever mentioned about the good choices people make.

quote so life = $20 ( plus tax )

Evidently those 2 thought something along those lines themselves.

As you pointed out in a previous post above, it was the San Antonio's officer's own choice to enter the water, thus no one else should be held accounable for his demise and unless someone held a gun to these two people's head, I suspect it was also of their own free choice to enter that stream.

[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 08-07-2011).]

quote Originally posted by Cooter: Life is precious, but it also comes with responsibility. Everyday, we make choices. Steal a shirt, or not. Run out of the store, or not. Jump into an overflowing creek to escape, or not. Who we are is the sum of the choices we have made. At any time, many of the choices we make daily could end our lives. Most of us choose wisely and nothing is ever mentioned about the good choices people make.

I agree we make our choices, but the pretense was 'i don't care as long as they got their stuff back'.. I think sticking a dollar value on it and a ' i don't care what happens to them' foot note is a sad commentary.

quote Originally posted by User00013170: I agree we make our choices, but the pretense was 'i don't care as long as they got their stuff back'.. I think sticking a dollar value on it and a ' i don't care what happens to them' foot note is a sad commentary.

The main reason I said that about the clothes was just to be a smart ass. On another note, I'm sure the store wasn't surrounded by a medieval moat so it was piss-poor judgement to run towards the only flowing body of water to escape. The security officer didn't chase them into the water....he FOLLOWED them to the water. When any ex-con commits more crimes when out of jail and loses his/her life, it is good news as far as I am concerned. If the system can't clear their heads when behind bars maybe nature or another outside source can. I have 2 little children and the less shitheads on the street, the better for their future.

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 08-07-2011).]

quote Originally posted by User00013170: so life = $20 ( plus tax )

Nurb, I think we can agree on this, life is what you make of it. Life equaled twenty dollars to them.

quote Originally posted by IMSA GT: The main reason I said that about the clothes was just to be a smart ass. On another note, I'm sure the store wasn't surrounded by a medieval moat so it was piss-poor judgement to run towards the only flowing body of water to escape. The security officer didn't chase them into the water....he FOLLOWED them to the water. When any ex-con commits more crimes when out of jail and loses his/her life, it is good news as far as I am concerned. If the system can't clear their heads when behind bars maybe nature or another outside source can. I have 2 little children and the less shitheads on the street, the better for their future.

Off the street i totally agree.. dead.. not so much

quote Originally posted by cliffw: Life equaled twenty dollars to them.

They probibly had no idea shoplifting could end their life.
But then again, they entered the water of their own free accord.

quote Originally posted by Boondawg: They probibly had no idea shoplifting could end their life. But then again, they entered the water of their own free accord.

Probably didn't realize shiplifting could be hazardous to ones health? Difficult to believe--it IS after all illegal and a pursuable offense by LEOs.

Running?--in 2011 from the authorities--not a chance they didn't know the possible consequences unless they've truly been living under a rock for the last 16 years.

quote Originally posted by Boondawg: They probibly had no idea shoplifting could end their life.

Neither did Granny, when she got hit while crossing the road by a drunk driver/texting teen/sleepy driver.
Shoplifting did not end their life. That was the first of a few fatal mistakes.
Now, what did they envision when they decided to shoplift for the first time ?

I guess some miss my point or read more into what I typed then what's there.

I'm not talking about wether they deserved to die or whos to blame or right & wrong.
I was only saying that when they said, "Hey, lets go shoplifting!" they didn't think that of all the things that could go wrong, dieing was one of them.
Getting caught, getting chased, getting tackled, going to jail, etc., of all those, death was probibly not even thought of as a possability.
When crimes are committed with a weapon, somebody dieing is probibly considered as one of the possabilities if things go wrong.
That's all I ment.

They probibly figured that there was no way their actions could lead to death, even in a worse-case-senerio.

I in no way ment that they did not cause their own death or someone else is to blame.

quote Originally posted by williegoat:

I dissagree.

quote Originally posted by User00013170: So their deaths are worth it if the store gets back their 20 dollar shirt. so life = $20 ( plus tax )

Yep, plus all the other stuff she got away with before, and the stuff she would be stealing the rest of her miserable life. and since shes was a suspect only, maybe she committed suicide by jumping in the creek rather than getting caught. No matter what, good riddance.

quote Originally posted by Boondawg: I dissagree.

I don't think it is one of the greatest movie scenes, but this story reminded me of it. That, or the end of Thelma and Louise.

[This message has been edited by williegoat (edited 08-07-2011).]

quote Originally posted by Boondawg: I guess some miss my point or read more into what I typed then what's there.

No, you did not make a case, nor did you type anything opinion wise in the introductory post.

quote Originally posted by cliffw: No, you did not make a case, nor did you type anything opinion wise in the introductory post.

I was refering to here, where I typed something,

quote Originally posted by Boondawg: They probibly had no idea shoplifting could end their life. But then again, they entered the water of their own free accord.

not where I typed nothing.

quote Originally posted by maryjane: Probably didn't realize shiplifting could be hazardous to ones health? Difficult to believe--it IS after all illegal and a pursuable offense by LEOs.

A rational criminal/person would *never* expect that shoplifting would result in ones death. At worst incarceration for a few days and a fine. Most likely a reprimand and banishment from the store, but never death.

quote Originally posted by User00013170: A rational criminal/person would *never* expect that shoplifting would result in ones death. At worst incarceration for a few days and a fine. Most likely a reprimand and banishment from the store, but never death.

Exactly.
I thought I described that point pretty simply.
However, maybe you're's will fair better.

quote Originally posted by Boondawg: Exactly. I thought I described that point pretty simply. However, maybe you're's will fair better.

I doubt it.. too much hatred for the suspects i think.

quote Originally posted by Boondawg: Exactly. I thought I described that point pretty simply. However, maybe you're's will fair better.

No, it won't, for the term "rational criminal" is an oxymoron.
#1. Criminals ALWAYS know there is a fair amt of danger that their endeavor will end badly--even with their deaths. The know this, because it has happened exactly that way countless times over the decades, and has been reported upon countless times in the last few years on every single type of media imaginable--whether it be in connection with the execution of a misdemeanor, minor traffic stop, or felonious behavior. People--innocent and quilty, get killed every single week either by citizens, police, angry shopkeepers, or motorists as they attempt to perpertrate their crime or in the process of getting away. This is no secret of any kind, and is common knowledge to anyone over the age of about 12.

#2. These are (were) either the most naive pair ever to walk the planet, or they thought everyone else was.

#3. On top of that, it wasn't the crime that led to their deaths--it was the acts that followed--running, not stopping when told to, and then of course, entering a flooded creek.

I've been in big box stores before, checked out, paid for everything, and when I went to exit, the alarm at the door goes off, because a cashier didn't get the little anti=theft tag deactivated or removed. I stop IN MY TRACKS, because I fully know someone, is going to stop me one way or another if I don't, even tho I know for a fact i've done nothing wrong. You don't have to be a genius to know something bad will happen if you don't stop.

[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 08-07-2011).]

quote Originally posted by maryjane: No, it won't, for the term "rational criminal" is an oxymoron.

I have to disagree 120%. Criminals can be more rational and ( intelligent ) than the average person person on the street doing as the man tells them. They may have chosen to break the law, but that has nothing to do with them being rational or not. Sure, you could have drug crazed criminals running around stealing purses and all bets are off, but just beacuse one is a criminal does not preclude them from being rational.

quote Originally posted by maryjane: I've been in big box stores before, checked out, paid for everything, and when I went to exit, the alarm at the door goes off, because a cashier didn't get the little anti=theft tag deactivated or removed. I stop IN MY TRACKS, because I fully know someone, is going to stop me one way or another if I don't, even tho I know for a fact i've done nothing wrong. You don't have to be a genius to know something bad will happen if you don't stop.

I wont stop, screw them if they made a mistake, its not my problem, and if they touch me they can expect a suit ( and a punch in the face due to self defense or worse if they push their luck ). The alarm going off in a retail store is not enough grounds to stop someone. its grounds to ASK them to stop.. There are a lot of rules about not losing sight, etc or they are liable for stopping a innocent person.

EDIT: Now they can banish me from their store for that and if i return it would be considered trespassing but they still cant do anything other than call the police and hope I'm still there by the time they arrive ( well i guess they could lock the doors so i couldn't enter, but they cant lock me IN the building ). While you may not understand the rational, I just refuse to be treated like a criminal due to THEIR f-up.

[This message has been edited by User00013170 (edited 08-07-2011).]