A Michigan man has admitted to brutally torturing and killing his visually impaired girlfriend inside a motel room, where he kept her locked up and abused her for more than a week. After the violent attack, he stayed in the room with her body for several days before the crime was discovered.
Daniel J. Varnes, 47, pleaded no contest in court on Tuesday to charges of second-degree murder, torture, and concealing a death. Under a deal with prosecutors, he will serve 32 years in a Michigan state prison.
Victim Found Dead in Saginaw Motel
The victim, Teressa M. Johnson, was found dead on September 1, 2024, at the Rodeway Inn and Suites located on St. Mary’s Lane in Saginaw, Michigan.
Authorities said Johnson’s body was discovered early that morning inside a motel room where Varnes had been staying. Saginaw is located about 100 miles northwest of Detroit.
The case quickly drew attention because of the disturbing details surrounding the victim’s injuries and the way the crime was uncovered.
Drug Dealer Discovered the Body
According to reports, Johnson’s body was first discovered by a drug dealer who had met Varnes earlier at a nearby gas station. The dealer had agreed to sell Varnes crack cocaine for $60.
However, after receiving the drugs, Varnes reportedly ran away without paying. The dealer later called Varnes to demand his money.
Varnes then told him to come to his motel room.
When the dealer arrived, he noticed a human-shaped figure lying on the bed covered with a blanket. While trying to explain why he stole the drugs, Varnes reportedly pointed toward the bed and said he had “this situation going on.”
When the dealer asked what was under the blanket, Varnes replied that he already knew.
Varnes then removed the blanket, revealing Johnson’s body, which appeared to have been dead for several days.
Suspect Suggested Getting Rid of the Body
According to testimony, Varnes told the dealer that Johnson had died from injuries she suffered while visiting friends days earlier.
He also suggested that since no one knew Johnson was staying with him at the motel, it would be easy to dispose of her body.
Alarmed by what he saw, the dealer left the room and immediately called 911.
Police Arrested the Suspect After Brief Manhunt
Police officers arrived at the motel shortly after the emergency call. However, Varnes had already fled the scene on foot and ran into nearby woods.
Authorities searched the area and located him several hours later, around 4 p.m., hiding in a forest close to the motel.
He was then taken into custody and questioned by detectives.
Confession Revealed Brutal Torture
During police questioning, Varnes reportedly admitted to carrying out multiple violent acts against Johnson.
Investigators said he beat her repeatedly using his fists, boots, and several objects. He also admitted to striking her at least ten times.
Prosecutors said Varnes even used needle-nose pliers on Johnson’s mouth in an attempt to silence her during the attacks.
Police later recovered several tools inside the motel room, including:
- Scissors
- A ratchet
- Side cutters
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
Tests showed that all of these items contained Johnson’s blood.
Autopsy Revealed Severe Injuries
An autopsy later confirmed that Johnson died from multiple traumatic injuries.
Medical examiners determined that the injuries included both recent and older wounds, suggesting she had suffered repeated abuse before her death.
The official cause of death was listed as multiple traumatic injuries with related complications.
Neighbors Shocked by the Crime
A woman who had been staying in a nearby room at the motel told reporters she had no idea something so violent was happening next door.
She said Varnes had been living at the motel for more than two months and appeared normal during that time.
According to her, she saw him almost every day and never suspected that a serious crime might be taking place inside his room.
Sentencing Scheduled in April
Although Varnes has already entered his plea agreement, the final sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 13.
Under the agreement reached with prosecutors, he will serve 32 years in prison for the killing and torture of Teressa Johnson.
