RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS) — A homicide case that began as a reported medical emergency in Murfreesboro is now approaching a critical stage, as the 40-year-old man accused of murder prepares to return to court next week, according to Jennings Jones, Rutherford County District Attorney General... The suspect, Clinton Lynn Johnson Jr., has remained incarcerated since his arrest on November 13, 2024, in connection with the death of 45-year-old Harold Cruz. He will also face charges for possession of meth.

Investigation Timeline - On October 27, 2024, officers with the Murfreesboro Police Department responded to a residence following a call reporting a man with head injuries. Upon arrival, officers discovered that Cruz’s injuries were far more severe than initially described. Despite emergency medical efforts, Cruz was pronounced dead at the scene.

As detectives continued their investigation, evidence indicated that Cruz had been the victim of a homicide that occurred during the late-night hours of October 26. Approximately one month later, investigators obtained a warrant charging Johnson with First Degree Murder.

Johnson was taken into custody on November 13, 2024, and later appeared before Ben Bennett in Rutherford County General Sessions Court. In January 2025, the case was formally bound over to the Rutherford County Grand Jury for further review.

Additional Charges and Indictment - Court records show that prior to his murder arrest, Johnson had been arrested on October 30, 2024—just three days after Cruz’s death—on a charge of possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia. That case remains pending, with an arraignment scheduled for December 2025 before James Turner, who is also presiding over the murder and aggravated robbery proceedings.

In August 2025, the Rutherford County Grand Jury returned a sealed indictment charging Johnson with First Degree Murder and Aggravated Robbery. He was arraigned on those charges the following month.

What’s Next - Johnson remains housed at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center as he awaits a plea hearing scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. He is represented by Public Defender Drew Perkins, while the prosecution is being handled by Assistant District Attorney Matt Westmoreland for the state of Tennessee.

Case Number: 75CC1-2025-CR-94571

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