Investigators arrested the woman’s boyfriend minutes after a 911 call from the Amani neighborhood home.
MILWAUKEE — A 22-year-old pregnant woman was found dead late Monday inside a burning bedroom near N. 26th St. and W. Hadley St., and police arrested her 21-year-old boyfriend less than a mile away within a half-hour of the 11:23 p.m. 911 call, authorities and family said.
Officials said the case is being investigated as a homicide and arson. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a homicide but has not released how the woman died. Family identified her as Gladys Johnson, a mother to a three-year-old girl who relatives say was inside the home. Police records show the boyfriend was booked on suspicion of first-degree intentional homicide and arson. As of Tuesday night, he had not been formally charged. The unborn child also did not survive, according to information shared with local media by investigators.
Johnson’s mother, Michelle Johnson, said she forced open the bedroom door after smelling smoke and not hearing from her daughter for hours. She told reporters she found her daughter unresponsive while flames spread in the room. “I found her, and I didn’t want her to burn up,” Johnson said, adding that her granddaughter may have witnessed what happened. Police said officers tracked down the boyfriend about a mile away on N. 29th St. less than 30 minutes after the first call. Booking logs reviewed by reporters list him on suspicion of arson and first-degree intentional homicide. Authorities have not released a possible motive. Family members said the couple had recently been estranged.
Investigators said the fire appeared to be intentionally set and started in the bedroom. The medical examiner confirmed the case is a homicide but has not disclosed the manner of death pending further testing. Court records show the arrested man has no prior criminal history in Wisconsin. Relatives said Johnson was five months pregnant and had been preparing for a baby boy. She and the suspect share a three-year-old daughter, relatives said. Police did not immediately detail the child’s condition but confirmed she was located safe after the fire. The exact timeline inside the home remains under review, including when the blaze began and how long the door remained closed before the 911 call.
Neighbors in the Amani neighborhood reported sirens and smoke late Monday. The home sits on a residential block of older duplexes and single-family houses a few blocks south of W. Locust St. Fire crews extinguished flames confined largely to the bedroom while police secured the scene for arson investigators. Detectives canvassed the area for security video. Family members spoke with reporters outside, displaying photos and describing Johnson as cheerful and devoted to her daughter. The medical examiner’s office took custody of the body overnight for autopsy. Officials said further findings would determine whether additional charges are referred to prosecutors regarding the death of the fetus.
Police said the boyfriend was arrested without incident on the city’s north side shortly after midnight. Prosecutors will review a referral that includes arson and first-degree intentional homicide. Charging decisions are expected after investigators receive autopsy findings, fire-scene lab results, and witness statements. If charges are filed, an initial appearance would likely occur later this week at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Police did not release the man’s name pending formal charges. The identity release of the victim will follow standard procedure after the next of kin notification and autopsy paperwork are complete.
Outside the house Tuesday, relatives gathered to grieve and collect belongings. A small memorial took shape on the porch. Community members described Johnson as playful with her daughter and excited about the pregnancy. “Now I have to stand up for her baby,” Michelle Johnson said, noting the family is coordinating care for the three-year-old. A family member said they hope any nearby doorbell cameras captured the moments before the fire. Several neighbors said officers asked for footage from late Monday to early Tuesday.
As of early Wednesday, the man remained in custody at the Milwaukee County Jail on a temporary booking related to the homicide and arson investigation. The police department said it would release additional updates after the medical examiner completes the autopsy and after prosecutors make charging decisions. Detectives planned to return to the block this week to conduct follow-up interviews and collect remaining surveillance video.
Author note: Last updated January 7, 2026.