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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – Officials in Newport News made a major announcement Monday in a missing persons case that dates back almost eight years.

On Friday, Feb. 14, 46-year-old Carlos Johnson was arrested during a traffic stop in Newport News. He has been charged with two counts of first degree murder in the deaths of Keir Johnson and their daughter Chloe. The Hampton mother and daughter were last seen on April 30, 2017. Keir was 34 years old at the time; Chloe was eight months old.

Their vehicle was located in Newport News two weeks after they went missing, but there were no signs of Keir and Chloe.

The Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney and police officials held a news conference Monday afternoon to announce the arrest.

NNPD Chief Steve Drew said the suspect in this case was taken into custody around 12:30 p.m. Friday.

Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney Howard Gwynn held up a picture of Keir Johnson and her daughter Chloe and said he has looked at that picture every day as motivation to solve this case.

Gwynn said the bodies of Keir and Chloe have not been found, but they have not stopped searching.

“We understand the deep emotional impact this situation has had on the family, our community, and our Department and it has always been our sincerest hope that Keir and Chloe would be found alive. However, as the investigation progressed, we had to confront the painful reality that this was not the case,” said Steve Drew.

Gwynn said there is still a $35,000 reward available for additional information to help them prosecute this case. He said even though someone has been arrested, the job is only beginning, and that any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial.

“This day has been a long time coming, especially for the family of Keir and Chloe. We want to express our deepest empathy for the Johnson family during this incredibly difficult time. While we recognize that this arrest cannot bring Keir and Chloe back, we sincerely hope it provides a sense of justice for their loved ones,” added Chief Drew.

Carlos Johnson is scheduled for an arraignment on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

“While nothing can bring back the lives lost, we remain steadfast in our duty to see justice served in the courtroom. My attorneys working the case with the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office will seek accountability and secure justice for Keir and Chloe,” said Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares.