EXCLUSIVE
The US citizen accused of stabbing and killing 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 the abdomen, leg and arm. on Ao Nang beach in Krabi in the early hours of July 22.
Mr Ross, from Perth, was taken to Wattana Hospital and then to Krabi Hospital but the 35-year-old man died from his injuries.
Ao Nang police charged Johnson, originally from Houston, Texas, with physically injuring another person causing death.
The 43-year-old divorced father lived in Krabi on Thailand’s west coast where he worked as a self-employed home-school teacher.
Johnson spent four years in the Marine Corps as a supply and logistics support specialist, stationed at Camp Pendleton in California and then Camp Schwab in Okinawa.
After leaving the Marine Corps, he worked as a telecommunications tower technician in the United States and as an English teacher in Bangkok.
Witnesses reported that Johnson and Ross, who did not know each other, had been drinking at a restaurant near Ao Nang beach and had a disagreement.
Randall Owen Johnson, the American citizen accused of stabbing an Australian man to death at a tourist spot in Thailand, is a retired Marine Corps corporal turned teacher.
Johnson (above) was arrested after Liam Michael Ross was found with stab wounds to the abdomen, leg and arm on Ao Nang beach in Krabi in the early hours of July 22.
Johnson (pictured) pointed to the knife allegedly used in the attack after his arrest.
They reportedly met again as the Australian man was walking 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 pulled out a folding knife and stabbed Mr Ross several times.
Photographs from the scene show the incident occurred next to the seashell sculpture at the south end of the beach road, outside the entrance to the Holiday Inn complex.
Ao Nang is a popular tourist destination known for its nightlife and beaches.
Mr Ross’s heartbroken family issued a brief statement via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Friday morning.
Liam Ross’ heartbroken family mourns the loss of their ‘beautiful and talented’ brother and son
Johnson was arrested near the scene of the stabbing (above) and charged with physically injuring another person causing death.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful, talented and much loved Liam,” they said.
‘The world is a poorer place after his passing. Thank you to his family, friends and colleagues for their support.
‘We ask that all family members be allowed to grieve Liam’s passing privately.’
Ross’s father, sisters and uncle had planned to travel to Bangkok for a Buddhist cremation on Saturday and 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 her brother’s death.
“As you may know, we lost Liam in a tragic incident in Thailand and we are heartbroken,” she wrote last week.
‘We appreciate your continued consideration as we grieve and continue to process this.’
Mr Ross’s family were receiving 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.
‘Due to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment.’
