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Man Lived With Girlfriend's Mutilated Body
6 Mar
Summary
- Man pleads no contest to murder, torture, and concealing death.
- Victim's mutilated body found at motel, dead for days.
- Man admits to brutal acts, including beating and using pliers.
Daniel J. Varnes pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, torture, and concealing a death in the killing of his girlfriend, Teressa M. Johnson. As part of a deal with prosecutors, Varnes is set to serve 32 years in a Michigan state correctional facility.
Johnson's mutilated body was found at the Rodeway Inn and Suites in Saginaw on September 1, 2024. A drug dealer discovered the body after being lured to Varnes' motel room. Varnes claimed Johnson died from injuries sustained days earlier and suggested disposing of her body.
Police recovered several tools from the motel room, including scissors, a ratchet, and pliers, all of which tested positive for Johnson's blood. An autopsy revealed her cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries. Varnes admitted to numerous brutal acts against Johnson during police questioning.
Varnes is scheduled for his sentencing hearing on April 13, 2026.
