Neighbor Charged in Elgin Woman's Murder

Officials call Lisa Koziol-Ellis' murder an exceptionally brutal and heinous crime

A 34-year-old Elgin man has been arrested in the stabbing death of a suburban artist and jewelry maker, police announced Monday.

Paul Johnson lived just doors away from Lisa Koziol-Ellis, whose body was found in the early hours of March 2 in the town home she shared with her husband, police said.

Johnson was arrested Friday and charged with four counts of first-degree murder, as well as home invasion and residential burglary. A judge on Monday set bail at $5 million.

After a long, 17-day investigation, police said Monday evidence will show Johnson stabbed Koziol-Ellis multiple times in what officials called an exceptionally brutal and heinous crime.

For weeks the case went unsolved and neighbors said Koziol-Ellis' murder happened without them seeing or hearing anything suspicious.

Police on Monday credited residents with leads and constant communication.

"The community was scared and wanted this solved," police said. "We have not left neighborhood since crime was committed."

If convicted, Johnson faces up to 100 years in prison. He is scheduled to return to court March 27.

"It is a positive step that the Elgin Police, through their investigative efforts, have charged someone with this crime," a message on the Facebook page "Justice For Lisa" reads.

The post continued with a reminder that "charging someone with a crime does not mean they committed the crime."

Johnson has a criminal record that includes residential burglary and armed robbery, according to Illinois Department of Corrections records.

Contact Us