Nationwide — More than seven years after Keir Johnson and her daughter Chloe disappeared, officials have arrested Chloe’s father, Carlos Johnson Jr., in connection with their presumed deaths. He’s facing two counts of first-degree murder.

Carlos Johnson Jr., 46, was arrested during a traffic stop last Friday in Newport News, Virginia, in connection with the 2017 disappearance of his ex-girlfriend, Keir Johnson, and their 8-month-old daughter, Chloe.

Keir and Chloe were last seen on April 30, 2017, heading to Buckroe Beach in Hampton to meet friends, but they never arrived. Alarmed by their absence, the family reported them missing, leading to an AMBER Alert issued 11 days later.

“It’s just not the norm for my sister not to call me [saying] good night,” Teir Pettway, Keir’s twin sister, told WKTR. “I think somebody she trusted did something to [them].”

Days later, Keir’s abandoned vehicle was found days later, prompting an investigation that has remained active for years. Despite the bodies never being found, police have treated the case as a double homicide.

Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew has long indicated foul play, expressing confidence that someone would be held accountable. Pettway said the arrest validates what the family has suspected all along.

“That’s who we’ve always known to be the alleged suspect — or however you’re supposed to say it — that’s who we’ve always known, but we just couldn’t say. But I’m glad the police finally made an arrest and they can start the legal process on putting him away,” Pettway said.

Authorities continue to seek more information, urging the community to share details that could lead to closure for the family. A reward of $35,000 remains for tips leading to the recovery of Keir and Chloe.