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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/WLOX) - A Mississippi man who was arrested after allegedly kidnapping and beating his girlfriend while on vacation in Nashville is now charged with her murder in Harrison County, Miss.

Bricen John Rivers, 23, was arrested following an hours-long manhunt Wednesday night. Rivers is now booked in the Harrison County Adult Detention Center and was issued a $1 million bond.

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He’s accused in the murder of 22-year-old Lauren Johansen from Gulfport, Miss. Officials told WLOX that at about 3 p.m. deputies received information about a vehicle belonging to Johansen located at the Wolf River Cemetery on Cemetery Road. As deputies arrived, Rivers was spotted running from the vehicle.

Johansen was found dead inside, according to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. Her body was found wrapped in a sheet. Authorities believe Johansen was reported missing from Hattiesburg by family on Tuesday, July 2, where she attended school.

Before this incident, Rivers was being held at the Davidson County Jail (Tennessee) for charges stemming from his December 2023 arrest. He was facing charges of especially aggravated kidnapping and interference with an emergency call.

Metro Nashville police said Rivers was arrested while he and Johansen, his then-girlfriend, were on vacation, WLOX reports. Her family called from out of state and told 911 Johansen called them screaming, afraid that Rivers may kill her.

She was allegedly assaulted in the car and lost consciousness, according to police. When officers finally found the pair, they could hear Johansen banging on the vehicle as she tried to escape. Police said she was able to get out of the car when officers arrived.

Rivers was seen reaching for a gun in the back seat, however, both officers stopped him and took him into custody. The victim, Johansen, was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with significant injuries.

The Davidson County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to WLOX that Rivers was released from custody on Monday, June 24, after posting bond. WLOX also confirmed Rivers’ original bond was set at $250,000, but was reduced to $150,000. Rivers had a scheduled court appearance on Monday in Nashville.