UPDATED: Man found dead at Lily residence; twin brother charged with murder; cause of death was multiple blows to the head with a hammer

Anthony Johnson was found dead in his home Tuesday.

Update: Laurel County Sheriff’s Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer, said Thursday that Anthony Johnson was struck multiple times in the top of the head with a hammer.

“The autopsy found numerous wounds in the top of his head,” Acciardo said, adding that it remains undetermined whether the wounds were caused by the flat end or the claw end of the hammer.

It was Antonio Johnson who made the 911 call concerning his brother’s death.

“He told the dispatchers he found his brother and in the back bedroom and thinks he is dead,” Acciardo said of the 911 call. “He said he thinks Anthony used a hammer to kill himself.”

“There was another individual at the residence at the time, but he was outside,” Acciardo added.

When authorities arrived, they found Anthony Johnson dead in the back bedroom of the trailer.

“We think it was Anthony’s bedroom,” Acciardo said.

As to motive, Acciardo said investigators have still been unable to find a reason. As part of the autopsy a toxicology test is underway on Anthony Johnson to determine if there were any drugs or alcohol in his system at the time.

Acciardo said Antonio Johnson did not show any signs of being under the influence.

“We have some more evidence that needs to go to the lab,” Acciardo said, noting he could not release details about the evidence as the case is on-going.

Acciardo said detectives have not learned of any on-going disputes or disagreements between the brothers that may have led to murder.

The brothers are originally from Texas. Acciardo said it was unknown when they came to southeast Kentucky or how long they had been living in Lily.

Update: Authorities have charged Antonio Johnson, Anthony Johnson’s twin brother, with murder. He was arrested about 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, April 6 by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department. Police say Antonio Johnson denies killing his brother. The two did live at the same residence. No possible motive has been revealed. An Autopsy revealed Anthony Johnson received multiple wounds to the head prior to his death. Deputies have recovered a hammer from the scene which they suspect may be the murder weapon.

Laurel County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the circumstances surrounding a man who was found dead at a residence in Lily Tuesday afternoon.

According to Sheriff John Root, deputies were called to 30 Robinson Creek Road about 4 p.m. where roommates reported finding the body of 30-year-old Anthony J. Johnson in the back bedroom. Johnson had suffered head trauma.

Laurel County Sheriff’s Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer said it is believed to be a case of foul play.

Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowling pronounced Johnson dead at the scene.

The body has been sent to Frankfort for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Detective Charlie Loomis is leading the investigation.

Assisting at the scene were detectives Kevin Berry and Jason Back, Capt. Chuck Johnson, Lt. Greg Poynter and deputies Kyle Gray and Brandon Broughton. Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County and Corbin Police also responded.