Judge Kelli Johnson, a prominent Texas judge, has been absent from the courtroom since May 1st due to medical leave. Rumors had circulated that she was missing or suffering from mental health issues, specifically manic behavior. However, her brother clarified that Johnson is not missing and is in contact with her family daily, assuring that she is fine. The exact nature of Johnson’s medical leave has not been disclosed, but it is known that she is out for personal matters, as confirmed by a court spokesperson.
There was an incident involving the police near Johnson’s home on May 4th, described as a “disturbance/CIT” involving crisis intervention. Details about this incident have not been made public. Prior to her absence, court staff members had mentioned that Johnson was displaying signs of manic behavior, raising concerns for her safety and that of the community. This comes after Johnson presided over a trial involving the beating death of a young boy in 2020, which deeply impacted her. It is unclear whether the intensity of this case played a role in her decision to take medical leave.
Johnson has also handled other high-profile cases, such as the murder trial of AJ Armstrong, who was convicted of killing his parents as a teen. In Johnson’s absence, some of her cases have been reassigned to a visiting judge. There has been no indication of when Johnson will return to the bench, with the administrative judge for the area declining to provide a timeline for her comeback. Prior to her judicial career, Johnson served as an assistant district attorney for 17 years and was elected as the first openly gay female judge in Harris County.
The support from her family, including her wife and two sons, has been instrumental during Johnson’s medical leave. Her brother’s reassurance that Johnson is fine and in regular contact with them alleviates concerns about her whereabouts. While the specifics of Johnson’s medical situation remain undisclosed, it is evident that she is taking the time off to address personal matters and possibly receive the necessary medical care. Her significant contributions to the legal system and her community have garnered attention, and her absence from the courtroom has left a void that others are temporarily filling.
Despite the rumors and speculations surrounding Johnson’s absence, her brother’s statement clarifies that she is on medical leave and not missing. Johnson’s dedication to her work and the emotional toll of presiding over difficult cases may have contributed to her decision to take time off. As she navigates this period away from the bench, her colleagues, family, and the legal community continue to show their support for her well-being. The exact nature of her medical leave and the timeline for her return to her judicial duties remain uncertain.
