Melisa Bailey Photo
Johnson with his mom upon his 2013 release from prison.
Johnny Jermaine Johnson’s $4.2 million ticket to a new life helped him open a restaurant and nightclub down South — near where someone then shot him dead early Sunday.
Johnson was among four New Haven men who won their freedom and multi-million-dollar awards for wrongful prosecution in 2013 after having received effective life sentences in connection with a 1996 murder. He spent the last five years seeking to build a musical business career and help his family.
At 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Johnson was on Chestnut Street in Wilmington, N.C., around the corner from his Dior’s Bar and Lounge, when someone shot him. Officers arrived on the scene and “immediately rendered aid, but sadly” Johnson “succumbed to his injuries,” reported Wilmington police spokesperson Brandon Shope.
Johnson was 43 years old. He left behind five children.
Police have already arrested two men, one 22 and 25, in conjunction with the shooting. The men have been charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The news of Johnson’s death spread fast Sunday in New Haven and Hamden, where he remained connected online and in person to hundreds of people.
Prosecutorial Misconduct
Johnson, who grew up in New Haven and Hamden, and three friends were tried and convicted of committing a 1996 murder at the Farnam Courts public-housing development.
On Dec. 14, 1996, a group of men shot at another group of men at 2 a.m. One of the men, Jason Smith, died. Police weeks later obtained warrants to arrest Johnson and the three friends for the murder, largely on the testimony of two of the other shooting victims. The police said the men belonged to the Q Terrace-based Island Brothers and had shot the victims, members of the Ghetto Boys, in a gang-related dispute
Johnson received a 75-year sentence.
Johnson and the three other men were released from prison in 2013 after the State Supreme Court ordered a new trial for them. (Read about that here. The above video shows the scene outside the Church Street state courthouse upon their release.)
The Supreme Court ruling followed the revelation the prosecution had failed to disclose a deal it struck with a key witness against them — then failed to correct the record when the witness claimed, under oath, that he had struck no such deal. The state chose not to retry Johnson and the three other men.
After 17 years behind bars, they were freed for good.
Johnson and his three friends filed suit for wrongful prosecution. In a settlement with the state, they each received $4.2 million — and a second chance at rebuilding their lives.
Johnson and his fellow former co-defendants formed a concert and events company called 365 Entertainment. (Click here for a 2016 interview with another of the men, Darcus Henry, speaking about hopes for the project.) The group put on events both in the New Haven/Hamden area night spots.
A $4.2M Blessing — & Curse
Johnny Johnson.
Johnson eventually moved to North Carolina, where he established an offshoot of the company, 365 South, that he ran on his own, according to his mother, Gloria Johnson. Through 365, Johnson organized an Easter basket giveaway in Wilmington, for instance. He also staged back-to-school and turkey giveaways, according to his mother.
“Johnny moved to North Carolina to get away from junk like this,” Gloria Johnson told the Independent Sunday.
He was generous with his money, recalled both Gloria Johnson and Gabrielle Salters, his niece.
When Gabrielle moved from Connecticut to North Carolina in 2019, for instance, he bought her first car, a Chevy Aveo, for her.
He bought a house for his mother, as well, so she moved to North Carolina too.
“He helped people. People died, and he helped pay for their funerals,” Gloria Johnson said. “He was free-hearted. He’d give you the shirt off his back.
“He loved life. He loved his family. He always greeted you with a kiss. My birthday was two days ago. He gave me a card and flowers.”
Johnny Johnson’s five surviving children include twins born four months ago. They were born at 23 weeks; they “just got out of the hospital” before his death, Gloria said.
“He was a really good father. His kids adored him.” said Johnson’s niece, Gabrielle Salters.
Both Salters and Gloria Johnson spoke of the pressures the $4.2 million legal award put on Johnny.
“Once you get that money, a lot of people have their hands out or are expecting you to help,” Salters said.
“When you finally decide to put your foot down — ‘No, I don’t got it. I can’t help you’ — people look at you funny. A lot of people did him wrong because he knew he had money. They took advantage of it.”
Still, Johnson always tried to help people out, “even people who did him wrong,” Salters said.
“He told one time, ‘Sometime I wish I never got that money,’” Gloria Johnson said. “Everybody has their hands out … He didn’t know how to say no.”
Johnson always loved music. He promoted concerts and managed musical acts. His mother said he arranged shows for the rap duo State Property.
During the Covid-19 pandemic he opened Dior’s on North Front Street in Wilmington. The three-story establishment includes a bar, a restaurant seating area, and a hookah lounge, and featured live entertainment.
Salters was there for opening night at Dior’s. She said it was a nice place. She returned on subsequent nights to hear live music. Johnson’s mother sometimes cooked at the restaurant, where the menu featured chicken and macaroni and cheese, among other dishes.
Wilmington police said the investigation into Johnson’s death is ongoing. They ask anyone with information to call 910 – 343-3609.
What a terrible tragedy. He turned his life around and helped others and yet he couldn't escape the violence even by moving somewhere else to start over. My heart goes out to all his loved ones.