Police search for motive for shootings of council leader and wife

Norfolk Police believe North Norfolk District Council leader Keith Johnson, 58, killed his 
wife Andrea, 44, with a shotgun before taking his own life minutes later.

They are investigating possible motives, including aspects of both of their personal lives.

Some witnesses have reported seeing Mr Johnson looking depressed the day before the shootings.

The family of Mrs Johnson, formerly Chadwick, issued a statement yesterday saying: “We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful daughter Andrea, she was a wonderful daughter, aunt and sister.

“She was so bubbly and full 
of life, she adored her family 
and has been tragically taken from us. She will be very sorely 
missed.”

It is understood Mr Johnson’s family will not be issuing any tribute.

The force yesterday published the results of a post-mortem examination showing that both died of gunshot wounds.

The couple were found dead outside their bungalow in Norfolk at 2.50pm on Sunday, after police were called to the property in Compit Hills, Roughton, near Cromer, after reports of gunshots.

Mrs Johnson was found in the garden of a neighbour’s home, while her husband was in the garden of their bungalow.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Guy said it appeared as though Mr Johnson used one of four shotguns owned and registered to his wife in the attack.

A police spokesman said: “Local neighbourhood officers and police community support officers also remain at the scene and will be working with the major investigations team over the coming days to support and reassure their families and the wider community affected by these tragic events.”

Neighbours and colleagues of Mr Johnson have spoken of their shock and disbelief.

The couple did not have children but Mr Johnson had a family from a previous marriage. The couple had been together for 18 years and married in 2004.

Mr Johnson was also a former Cromer mayor, a long-serving member of both the district and town council and a football referee.

He was elected as council leader earlier this year and had helped organise the town’s Christmas market, launched at the weekend. He was seen attending civic events on Friday.

Mrs Johnson worked in customer services at Homebase in the town.