Matthew Charles Johnson

Matthew Charles Johnson
Johnson in red prison uniform sitting on a chair at a table
Johnson in 2010
Born (1973-08-09) 9 August 1973 (age 51)
Other namesThe General
Known forMurder of Carl Williams
Criminal statusImprisoned
AllegianceLeader, Prisoners of War
Criminal chargeMurder
Armed robbery and aggravated burglary
PenaltyLife with a 32-year non-parole period (2011)
Details
VictimsCarl Williams
Imprisoned atHM Prison Barwon

Matthew Charles Johnson (born 9 August 1973) is an Australian criminal who is known for his extreme acts of violence, including the murder of Carl Williams, a drug dealer and serial killer. Johnson was raised in Dandenong, Melbourne, Victoria; during his childhood, he experienced familial challenges and was expelled from school in year seven. As a child, Johnson became involved in criminal activity and substance use, both of which continued into his adulthood.

Johnson has a decades-long criminal history that includes convictions for burglary, armed robbery, serious violent offences, and murder. His best-known crime is the murder of Williams in 2010, which he committed using the stem of an exercise-bike seat in Barwon Prison's Acacia Unit, where both men were imprisoned. During his trial for the murder, Johnson claimed the act was in self-defence but he was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 32 years.