Chesapeake man sentenced to 23 years in prison for stabbing ex-girlfriend to death

CHESAPEAKE, Virginia – A Chesapeake man was sentenced Monday to 22 years and 11 months in prison for stabbing his ex-girlfriend to death in November 2022, District Attorney Matt Hammel said.

Anthony L. Johnson, 63, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for first-degree murder, with 17 years and one month suspended, the prosecutor said.

Watch: News 3 Investigates and Samaritan House shed light on domestic violence in Hampton Roads

News 3 Investigates and Samaritan House shed light on domestic violence in Hampton Roads

Johnson and the victim, Valarie McElroy, had previously been in a romantic relationship, but he continued to court her even after they broke up.

After family and friends repeatedly failed to reach her, Chesapeake police were called to check on her condition.

According to the prosecutor, officers found McElroy dead in her apartment. She had suffered multiple stab wounds. Johnson was found unconscious in another room with several apparent self-inflicted stab wounds.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for resources and support