Karen Johannsen, Madison, Wisconsin woman killed by ex boyfriend at Caribbean island, Antigua amid complaints authorities are dragging their feet bringing charges against the man.
A Wisconsin woman living and working as a horseback tour operator in the Caribbean has died after she was ‘brutally’ attacked by her former boyfriend last month.
Karen Johannsen, 66, was riding a horse along Runaway Beach in Dickenson Bay, Antigua when she was suddenly struck on the back of the head with a blunt object on December 19, according to the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.
The unidentified man who allegedly launched the assault was a former boyfriend of Johannsen, Lyn, Johannsen’s sister, told WMTV.
Antigua horseback tour operator attacked by ex boyfriend
Not immediately clear is where the boyfriend hailed from, the length of time the former couple had been involved and what had led to their break up and when.
Johannsen, who hails from Madison, Wisconsin, was then transported to the hospital and treated for serious head injuries before being airlifted to the United States for further care, cops said.
The assault left her with a massive head injury, several broken bones, and a fractured jaw, according to Antigua News.
She was later pronounced dead on Dec. 26, the day after Christmas, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital after succumbing to her wounds, authorities added.
The former boyfriend was taken into police custody. It remained unclear what charges the man now faced.
Antigua authorities dragging their feet bringing charges against ex boyfriend
Posted family friend Cindy McGinnis, ‘The authorities in Antigua have not been at all helpful to Lyn and Gary and seem to be more concerned about the negative impact this news will have on tourism than bringing justice to Karen and her family.’
Johannsen had been living in Antigua and frequently posted pictures on social media of horses galloping down the shores and of herself lounging on the beach.
She was the daughter of the former owners of Johannsen’s Greenhouse, a staple business that operated for 50 years in Madison, WMTV reported.
Speaking to Antigua News, the victim’s sister stated that Johannsen was a registered organ donor and had been scheduled for a procedure shortly after her death. Lyn expressed her gratitude to everyone who offered support and kindness during the family’s difficult time.
