Former Texas A&M wide receiver Thomas Johnson, who was accused of murdering a jogger, claimed the team's 2012 win over Alabama was "a sign from God," according to John Taylor of College Football Talk.
The 21-year-old former football player confessed that he committed the murder, and is expected to face capital murder charges. Johnson used a "large edged weapon," and reportedly hacked his victim.
This unbelievable incident comes three years after Johnson abruptly left the Aggies football program in 2012. ESPN's Outside the Lines obtained police documents about Johnson's disappearance from the university. In the report, assistant coach David Beaty contacted campus police to report Johnson's absence from campus, and that his teammates were concerned because he had acted strangely over the past couple months.
Beaty reportedly told officers that Johnson had texted a teammate that "he was Jesus and he was headed west," via ESPN. Beaty said the teammate was Jordan Richards, who was not on the roster, but there was a linebacker named Jordan Richmond who was a freshman, and likely the person he texted.
"Beaty explained that at one time, Johnson believed that Jordan was the devil but now believes that he has helped him become right with the Lord," according to the police report, via ESPN. Johnson reportedly believed several of his other teammates were characters from the Bible. The report also states that no comments were made by Johnson about wanting to hurt others or himself.
Johnson was found in Dallas after police traced his cellphone. Johnson reportedly ran out the back door of Kevin Coleman's house as he knew police were looking for him. "Coleman stated that Johnson was crazy and believed he was Jesus," according to the report. Johnson was found at park where he was supposed to meet his girlfriend, and was taken to a hospital in police custody.
Johnson has had minor incidents with the law since leaving Texas A&M - including breaking into his aunt's house, which had him convicted of felony charges of burglary and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Johnson had no involvement with the football program over the past three years, but his mother Linda Hanks was quoted saying "He's working out, he's getting in shape, and he shall return (to football)," according to ESPN.
Johnson told a police officer after the incident, "I just commited capital murder," according to ESPN. Johnson is in a Dallas County jail in lieu of a $500,000 bail.
