Johnson Chayee Browne, Ankeny Iowa Man, Charged With First-Degree Murder in Stabbing Death of Girlfriend Sharon Jellue

Johnson Chayee Browne, an Ankeny, Iowa man, has been charged with first-degree murder following the stabbing death of his girlfriend, Sharon Jellue, inside the apartment they shared.

The Ankeny Police Department said officers conducted a welfare check just before 9 a.m. Monday at a residence in the 1000 block of NE Crestmoor Place. Upon entering the home, officers discovered an adult woman deceased with an apparent stab wound.

As the investigation progressed, police identified 32-year-old Johnson Chayee Browne as a suspect. Authorities confirmed that Browne and the victim were known to each other and lived together.

Police said Browne was already in custody at the time the victim was discovered. The day prior, around 5:30 p.m. Sunday, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a suspicious man attempting to break into a vehicle. Responding officers located Browne, who allegedly became combative, resulting in an officer being assaulted. He was taken into custody and charged with assault on a police officer and interference with official acts causing bodily injury.

Following the welfare check and discovery of the victim, investigators connected Browne to the homicide. He is now formally charged with first-degree murder and remains held at the Polk County Jail.

Authorities stated the investigation is ongoing, but they do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public, noting that the suspect is already in custody. Police have not yet released details regarding a possible motive in the stabbing.

No further information has been made public at this time as investigators continue their work.