3/24/2025

VILAS COUNTY - The death of a Vilas County woman Friday is under investigation. A call came in late Friday by someone reporting a death, saying they had found the victim dead at the scene. Multiple agencies responded, including both Vilas and Oneida County Sheriff’s detectives. The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation is also investigating the death. When deputies arrived at the location, they found Kelly Johnson’s body. Law enforcement has listed Johnson having died of “unnatural causes” but would not release any other information, such as the location of the body or how it was found. Investigators have arrested 56-year-old James Johnson on preliminary charges of first-degree intentional homicide. No relationship between James Johnson and the victim has been identified as of yet. Johnson is scheduled to make an initial court appearance today.