The Gazebo Gazette
GULFPORT (GG) — On Thursday, September 24, Bricen John Rivers pled guilty to Tampering with Physical Evidence and Desecration of a Human Corpse in connection with the July 2, 2024, murder of his former girlfriend, Lauren Johansen. Circuit Court Judge Lisa Dodson sentenced Rivers to the maximum, thirteen (13) years, to run consecutive to his Forrest County life without parole sentence, in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Rivers previously pled guilty on August 28, 2026, in Forrest County Circuit Court to Capital Murder for the murder of Johansen. According to Assistant District Attorney Haley Necaise Broom, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the State, “the investigation revealed that Rivers transported Lauren’s body in her vehicle from Hattiesburg to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, traveling to numerous locations while her body remained concealed. Approximately 31 hours after the vehicle left Hattiesburg, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office (HCS) deputies located the vehicle at Wolf River Cemetery in Saucier on July 3, 2024. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, Rivers fled into a wooded area; however, he was apprehended several hours later following an extensive search involving multiple law-enforcement agencies.”
Broom further stated, “The investigation further revealed that Lauren’s body was wrapped and concealed in the rear cargo area of the vehicle beneath sheets and blankets. Investigators recovered numerous items of evidence from the vehicle, including clothing and gloves, trash bags, plastic sheeting, cleaning supplies, Lauren’s debit card and a firearm. The autopsy documented extensive blunt-force injuries to Lauren’s head, including skull fractures, brain injuries and hemorrhage, as well as a wound to her neck.”
Before imposing the sentence, the Circuit Court heard from Lauren’s father, Dr. Lance Johansen, who spoke about his daughter and how she had endured years of fear and terror as a result of the Defendant’s actions, and he explained the devastating and lasting impact Rivers’ actions have had on Lauren and her entire family. Judge Dodson then sentenced Rivers to the maximum sentence on each count, totaling thirteen (13) years, to be served consecutively to his life without parole sentence for Capital Murder.
“What was done to Lauren reflects a profound disregard for human life and for the dignity she deserved, both in life and in death. There is no sentence and no amount of time that can erase what happened or ease the unimaginable pain her family has endured and will continue to carry. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Lauren’s family, who have shown incredible strength through circumstances that no family should ever have to face. While we cannot give them back what was taken from them, I am grateful that we were able to hold this defendant accountable for his actions in Harrison County and ensure that he received the maximum punishment allowed by law. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office did an outstanding job in this investigation, and holding Rivers accountable was truly a team effort among the multiple law-enforcement agencies involved.” said Assistant District Attorney Haley Necaise Broom.
