After 30 years, a DNA breakthrough leads to the arrest of Megan Johns’ accused killer — her next-door neighbor. Irving Police hope technology will close more cases.
IRVING, Texas — More than three decades after 29-year-old Megan Beth Johns was found murdered in her apartment, the Irving Police Department has arrested a suspect in her case. On Tuesday, June 10, authorities charged 61-year-old Darryl Patrick Goggans with capital murder.
Johns was stabbed to death in October 1994 at her apartment in the 3000 block of West Walnut Hill Lane. According to police, there were no signs of forced entry at the scene, leading investigators to believe at the time that the victim likely knew her attacker.
Goggans, who was Johns’ next-door neighbor, was identified as the suspect after a recent DNA analysis produced a match in the national database known as CODIS.
“We’ve run into these dead ends and it’s the same old thing over and over again,” said Irving Police Detective Eric Curtis. “I said I want to try some different testing, some different technology.”
That effort proved successful when forensic evidence reviewed in recent months yielded a DNA profile matching Goggans. The arrest marks a significant moment for Johns’ family and friends, who have waited 30 years, eight months and six days for answers.
Bridget Johns Scott, Megan’s younger half-sister, was just 9 years old at the time of the murder.
“Every time we got together, she would always have a little gift. Little jewels, little plants, little crafts,” she recalled. “She doted on having a little sister.”
Years later, at age 21, Scott dreamed about her sister. After the dream, she walked into the Irving Police Department looking for updates. She was met by the original detective on the case, Sergeant Tom Rowan, who carried a photo of Megan Johns in his wallet.
“It’s a testament to how passionate the detectives are with these unsolved cases. They really do take them home. They really do stay with them,” said Scott.
Now retired, Rowan said the arrest brings a sense of relief.
“I wish Megan were still here,” Rowan said tearfully. “It’s just a great weight lifted off your shoulders. And her dad did not live to see this great day.”
Kelly Chance, a longtime friend of Johns’, led efforts to find answers over the decades. Johns was the maid-of-honor at Chance’s wedding. Chance remembers Johns’ as someone who was starting a promising new chapter in life.
“She moved to a nicer place, closer to work, and things were looking up for her,” Chance said. “I can’t imagine that anybody who knew her would hurt her.”
Detective Curtis said the motive is still unknown at this time.
Goggans is currently being held at the Irving City Jail. Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information about his involvement in the case to contact Detective Curtis at 972-721-3539 or via email at ECurtis@IrvingTX.gov. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to IPDCrimeTips@IrvingTX.gov.
The department says approximately 70 cold cases remain unsolved, and they hope technological advances in forensic science will help bring resolution to other families still waiting for answers.