9/21/2021- 1:05 p.m.
Missoula man is in custody and charged with murdering his wife.
The prosecutor’s case against Staryal Johnston, 32, paints the picture of a brutal attack witnessed by the couple’s two children.
Investigators say one, an 11-year-old girl, grabbed Johnston’s phone and called 911.
When deputies arrived, they couldn’t save 30-year-old Danielle Johnston, who died at a Missoula hospital after sustaining serious injuries.
The attack happened west of Missoula Thursday night about 10.
The following is a press release from the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office:
Missoula County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched and responded to a disturbance on the 7400 block of Azalea Drive, west of Missoula at approximately 10:00 p.m. on September 2.
Missoula County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived at the location and found a female unresponsive. Emergency Medical Services were immediately requested for the unresponsive victim.
The female victim, identified as Danielle Johnston, 30, a resident of Missoula, sustained serious bodily injury and was transported to the hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.
A male suspect, Staryal D. Johnston, fled the premises and led Deputies on a short foot pursuit. Deputies quickly apprehended the suspect. Mr. Johnston has been booked on Deliberate Homicide into the Missoula County Detention Center.
The incident is being investigated by Missoula County Sheriff’s Detectives and no further information is available at this time.
“On behalf of Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic incident,” stated Sheriff, TJ McDermott. “Please keep all those involved in your thoughts during this very difficult time.”
