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Lee murder suspect enters not guilty plea

• Prosecutors believe a defendant cut and stabbed the victim more than 50 time, authorities say.

J.D. Sumner

LEESBURG — A man charged with stabbing a longtime acquaintance to death in February was arraigned Thursday in Lee County Superior Court following an indictment, court officials said.

Craig Nicolas Johnson was indicted for murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, theft and tampering with evidence April 29, in connection with the death of 23-year-old Nicole Benjalyn Judge at her Winding Way home.

Prosecutors say she sustained more than 50 cuts and stab wounds during the attack.

Thursday, Johnson entered a not guilty plea and was returned to the Lee County Jail, District Attorney Cecilia Cooper said.

Judge’s body was found Feb. 29, after a relative failed to reach her at her home, prompting deputies to search the residence.

Cooper said that the exact relationship between Judge and Johnson is still a matter of debate, but that she is sure they knew each other.

According to the indictment, Johnson is also accused of stealing less than $500 worth of personal property from the scene. Prosecutors also believe he took Judge’s financial card from the scene.

Johnson was arrested at a home on the 1400 block of East 2nd Avenue in Albany March 3, days after Judge’s body had been discovered, Lee County Sheriff Harold Breeden said.

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