EXCLUSIVE
The US national charged over the stabbing death of an Australian man at a popular tourist spot in Thailand is a retired Marine Corps corporal turned teacher.
Randall Owen Johnson was arrested after Liam Michael Ross was found with stab wounds to his abdomen, leg and arm at Ao Nang Beach in Krabi in the early hours of July 22.
Mr Ross, from Perth, was taken to Wattana Hospital, then to Krabi Hospital, but the 35-year-old died of his injuries.
Ao Nang police charged Johnson, originally from Houston, Texas, with physically injuring another person causing death.
The 43-year-old divorced father had been living in Krabi on the west coast of Thailand where he was a self-employed home school teacher.
Johnson spent four years in the Marine Corps as a specialist in supply and logistics support, stationed at Camp Pendleton in California then Camp Schwab in Okinawa.
After leaving the Marines, he worked as a telecommunications tower technician in the US and as an English teacher in Bangkok.
Witnesses reported Johnson and Mr Ross, who were not known to each other, had been drinking at restaurant near Ao Nang the beach had a disagreement.
Randall Owen Johnson, the US national charged over the stabbing death of an Australian man at a Thailand tourist spot, is a retired Marine Corps corporal turned teacher. He is pictured
Johnson (above) was arrested after Liam Michael Ross was found with stab wounds to his abdomen, leg and arm at Ao Nang Beach in Krabi in the early hours of Jul 22
Johnson (pictured) pointed out the knife allegedly used in the attack after his arrest
They reportedly encountered each other again as the Australian man walked back to his hotel, which allegedly led to a confrontation.
Initially, the two exchanged words, but the situation soon escalated into a physical fight, according to police.
Johnson allegedly drew a folding knife and inflicted several stab wounds on Mr Ross.
Photographs from the scene showed it happened adjacent to the conch shell sculpture at the southern end of the beachside road, outside the entrance to the Holiday Inn resort.
Ao Nang is a popular tourist destination known for its nightlife and beaches.
Mr Ross’s heartbroken family issued a brief statement through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Friday morning.
Liam Ross’s heartbroken family is mourning the loss of their ‘beautiful, gifted’ brother and son
Johnson was arrested near the scene of the stabbing (above) and charged with physically injuring another person causing death
‘We are heart broken at the loss of our beautiful, gifted, much beloved Liam,’ they said.
‘The world is a poorer place for his passing. Thanks to family, friends and colleagues for their support.
‘We requested that all family members be allowed to mourn Liam’s passing in private.’
Mr Ross’s father, sisters and uncle had planned to travel to Bangkok for a Buddhist cremation on Saturday and to return to Western Australia with his ashes and belongings.
A memorial service will be held in Perth when the family is ready.
Mr Ross’s sister previously posted on social media about the death of her brother.
‘As you may already know, we have lost Liam to a tragic incident in Thailand and jour hearts are broken,’ she wrote last week.
‘We appreciate your ongoing consideration while we grieve and continue to process this.’
Mr Ross’s family was being provided with consular assistance, according to a spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
‘We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,’ the spokesman said.
‘Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment.’
