(COLUMBUS, Neb.) — Panhandle Scanner shared a missing poster on December 11th of Nathan Johnson, 30 of Butler County Nebraska, after almost a month of no leads. It appears that drugs are central in the case. Platte Valley Media reported additional information on the death of Johnson, who was originally reported missing November 17, 2024.
Donald Newman, 62; his daughter, Erika Henke, 35; and Drew Inselman, 33, have been arrested on drug and firearm charges tied to a search warrant at a residence frequented by Johnson. While none of the three have been formally charged with Johnson’s death, search warrant affidavits suggest they were involved in illegal drug activity and may have been connected to Johnson. Some individuals familiar with the case also told investigators they believe Johnson was murdered.
Timeline of Johnson’s Disappearance
A Nov. 26 search warrant affidavit from a Platte County investigator revealed Johnson was last seen by acquaintances on Oct. 28. He was reported missing to the National Crime Information Center by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 17.
Johnson, who had been making monthly payments on a Verizon cellphone, had his service disconnected on Nov. 20 after payments stopped. Investigators found no activity on Johnson’s phone after Oct. 22.
The affidavit also mentioned that members of Johnson’s social circle told law enforcement they had heard rumors of his murder. Johnson was known to be involved in illegal drug activity and had associated with others engaged in similar behavior.
Investigators obtained a warrant to access Johnson’s cellphone records, and his body was discovered about two weeks later.
Events Leading to Arrests
On Dec. 10, a Platte County Sheriff’s sergeant was dispatched to a residence at 326 Southeast 44th Avenue, east of Columbus, for a report of an unresponsive man. Upon arrival, the sergeant encountered Drew Inselman running toward the house from an outbuilding. Inselman directed the sergeant to the basement, where Donald Newman was found lying face down on the floor.
Nearby were drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded firearm near Newman’s waistband. Newman, a self-admitted fentanyl addict, had been in contact with law enforcement multiple times over the preceding three months. During these interactions, Newman often discussed drug use and distribution, including allegations that his daughter, Erika Henke, regularly transported drugs from Omaha to Columbus and sold them from her bedroom.
On Dec. 11, Colfax County Sheriff Shawn Messerlie’s office received a report of a body found in rural Colfax County. The body was found in the area of Road C and Roads 12/13. The deceased person has been identified as 30-year-old Nathan Johnson of Butler County, Nebraska. Colfax County Sheriff’s Office reported that autopsy results are pending.
On Dec. 14, days after being found unresponsive, Newman told authorities Henke had recently sold a quarter-pound of methamphetamine to two individuals. A task force executed a search warrant at the residence, arresting Newman, Henke, and Inselman on drug and weapon charges.
Links Between Johnson and the Residence
Following the arrests, Newman allegedly told investigators that Henke had informed him days earlier that Johnson was dead and his body was in the basement. Newman claimed he went to sleep after hearing this. The next morning, Henke reportedly told Newman she had “taken care of the body” and that Newman owed her.
According to Newman, he and Johnson had smoked meth together about six hours before Henke told him Johnson was dead.
Additional evidence ties Johnson to the property. When his body was discovered, a red ratchet strap was wrapped around his legs. Investigators later found a ratchet strap matching this description hanging on a hook outside the residence.
Newman, Henke, and Inselman remain in custody at the Platte County Detention Center in Columbus. Law enforcement continues to investigate Johnson’s death.
Many comments on the original post reveal that Nathan was a good guys who got caught up in drug use. Others express their anger and frustration that this happened. In response to one comment asking how Johnson died and why they aren’t charged with murder, one user posted:
They haven’t been charged in connection because they don’t have the autopsy. Once that comes back and they know COA then they’ll be able to give charges. The cops and prosecutor have to follow the law and due process. Right now all three have hefty drug and weapons charges. That’s enough to hold keep holding them. Their bonds are high too. Platte county justice system is good. They are just and they will give justice where it’s due. But we have to allow them to do it right so these individuals cannot appeal and be set free. – Toni Austin Marker-Dotson
Thank you to Platte Valley Media for the additional information in this case.
Discover more from Hale Multimedia LLC
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Hey that’s my comment. One correction. I meant COD (cause of death) thanks for sharing and spreading awareness.