CLEVELAND — The man accused in the deaths of four people – including two children – is being held on $5 million bond.
Armond Johnson, who has been charged with aggravated murder, made his first court appearance in the case Friday after his arrest earlier this week.
A preliminary hearing has been set for July 25.
Police say Johnson is the father of one of the children who died, 6-year-old Armond Johnson Jr. The others killed in the incident include 2-year-old Aubree Stone and 25-year-old Takeyra Collins. Their neighbor, 35-year-old David Cousin Jr., was found shot to death outside.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner has determined the died from smoke inhalation.
The situation began when David Cousin Jr., was found shot in the head and chest. Police say they believe Cousin was in the wrong place at the wrong time when he encountered Johnson.
When police began knocking on doors to find potential witnesses, officers could see the bodies of both children through a window. Once inside, officers also found the body of Collins, who had been shot in the back and stomach.
Police say evidence of arson was found at the scene, including accelerant and a heavy smell of smoke.