Father Accused Of Murdering Young Son, Raping Ex-Girlfriend Could Get Death Penalty

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) - A father accused of killing his 6-year-old son appeared in Arapahoe County Court on Friday.

The suspect, Brandon Johnson, could barely talk one year after trying to slit his own throat at the same time his son was slashed to death. Prosecutors announced they are considering seeking the death penalty if he's convicted.

Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler says he's going after Johnson with the full force of the law.

The defense offered to enter a guilty plea in the case if the death penalty was taken off the table. The district attorney's office says they are moving forward with capital punishment.

Johnson is accused of slitting his son's throat. Six-year-old Riley died.

The crimes allegedly happened in the apartment where Johnson lived with his two children and ex-girlfriend. Investigators testified that the couple had broken up but were still living together and Johnson was depressed, and even told his ex-girlfriend that he was suicidal.

On the night of the alleged attack, Johnson's ex-girlfriend claims Johnson forcibly raped her at knifepoint and told her he would "kill everyone" in the apartment if she screamed. The victim told investigators she then went into her room to call 911 and that's when she heard Riley screaming from his room -- then there was silence.

When police arrived they found Riley dead and Johnson lying nearby with a knife wound to his own throat.

Brauchler says because the child was under 12 the law allows the state to seek the death penalty.

"This is Colorado's law; this isn't my law. This is what Colorado has said makes for an aggravated murder, not what I've said makes for an aggravated murder," Brauchler said.

A 2-year-old child who was found in the home was found unharmed.

The case will return to court in May.