Grand jury returns indictment charging Hunterdon County woman with attempted murder, arson-related offenses
RARITAN TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – A Hunterdon County woman has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of attempted murder and arson-related offenses, according to Hunterdon County First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Paravecchia.
A a Hunterdon County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Onika G. Johnson, 44, of Ringoes with first-degree attempted murder, four counts of second-degree aggravated arson, three counts of third-degree arson, and two counts of third-degree criminal mischief, Paravecchia said.
In the early morning hours on Sunday, May 21, 2023, Raritan Township police officers responded to 8 Whitetail Way, located in the Ringoes section of Raritan Township, to investigate a fire at a residence occupied by several family members and tenants, Paravecchia said.
The Raritan Township Fire Marshal and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office’s Arson Task Force determined that the fire originated in the garage of the residence and that it was started intentionally. Paravecchia said.
Investigators further determined that Johnson, a tenant at the residence, purposely or knowingly started the fire, which caused significant structural damage to the residence and placed the occupants in danger of death, Paravecchia said.
Johnson was then arrested on Aug. 9, 2023. She is being held at the Warren County Correctional Center, Paravecchia said.
The first-degree charges may result in criminal penalties including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment between ten and twenty years and a fine not to exceed $200,000. Second-degree charges may result in criminal penalties including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment between five and ten years and a fine not to exceed $150,000. Third-degree charges may result in criminal penalties including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment between three and five years and a fine not to exceed $15,000.
