THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 9, 1995 TAG: 9503090414
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
Police on Wednesday said charges against a teenage couple accused of slaying a 17-year-old acquaintance have been upgraded to include conspiracy, attempted robbery and first-degree murder.
The teens - 17-year-old Kelly Anne Dara and her 18-year-old boyfriend, Joshua M. Johnson - were returned to the city late Tuesday after police found them at an Outer Banks hotel.
Dara, a Salem High School senior, and Johnson, a former Salem student, are accused of killing 17-year-old Joseph D. Garcia III, stabbed to death Monday after visiting Dara at her Marmora Road home, police said. Garcia was Dara's schoolmate.
Detectives said the upgraded charges reflect the teens' alleged plot to lure Garcia to Dara's home and steal his car.
Police said Garcia was stabbed in the back at least twice during the unsuccessful robbery.
He died in a hospital.
Johnson on Wednesday was directed to the Public Defender's office; Dara's family has hired an attorney.
A hearing next month will determine whether Dara can be tried as an adult.
KEYWORDS: MURDER CHARGES STABBING JUVENILE by CNB