ankeny Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Stabbing Death

ANKENY, Iowa – Johnson Chayee Browne, of Ankeny, has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of a woman at an Ankeny apartment on Monday. The incident has prompted a police inquiry and raised concerns within the community.

Details of the Incident

On Monday morning, shortly before 9:00 a.m., Ankeny police officers responded to a welfare check at 1010 NE Crestmoor Place, Unit 201 [[1]]. Upon arrival,officers discovered a deceased woman inside the apartment with a fatal stab wound.

The Suspect and Arrest

Investigators quickly identified Johnson Chayee Browne as a suspect in the case. Browne and the victim were known to each othre, according to police reports [[2]]. Notably, Browne was already in custody at the Polk County Jail at the time the body was found.

Browne’s arrest occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, prior to the discovery of the body, following an altercation with police officers while responding to a report of a suspicious person attempting to break into a vehicle [[2]].

Separate Incident Involving Ankeny Man

Separately, Nashawn K. Green, 19, of Ankeny, was arrested in Minnesota on March 27, 2025, in connection with a homicide in Ames, Iowa, that occurred on January 18, 2025 [[3]]. Green is facing a charge of Murder in the 1st Degree, a Class A Felony, in that case.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety

Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public related to the murder at the Crestmoor Place apartment [[2]]. Browne remains in custody at the Polk County Jail as the investigation continues. The identity of the victim has not yet been released pending notification of family.

Key Takeaways

• Johnson Chayee Browne has been charged with first-degree murder in Ankeny.
• The victim died from an apparent stab wound.
• Browne was already in custody on unrelated charges at the time of the discovery.
• A separate homicide investigation in Ames led to the arrest of Nashawn K. Green, also of Ankeny.