By Sean Yoes, Baltimore AFRO Editor, syoes@afro.com
A man who brazenly gunned down his victim in front of witnesses in 2016, will serve life plus 33 years in prison.
Carrington Sturgis and Frank Barnett were sentenced this week for their roles in the murder of William Johnson in July 2016. Sturgis and Barnett were convicted by a Baltimore jury in February. Sturgis was found guilty of first degree murder and several gun crimes and Barnett was sentenced to 18 years for various gun charges.
The Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse (Courtesy Photo)
According to the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, Sturgis and Barnett entered Johnson’s home around 6:30 a.m., July 10, 2016, in the 600 blk. of E. Patapsco Ave., in South Baltimore and demanded money from Johnson. When Johnson replied he didn’t have money and would have to get the money to the men later, witnesses testified that Sturgis and Barnett began to beat Johnson with fists and guns. The pair also attempted to rob the witnesses, but they didn’t have any money.
According to court testimony, Sturgis took Johnson to the rear of the house and attempted to shoot him twice, but the gun didn’t discharge. Subsequently, Sturgis took Johnson back to where the witnesses were located and shot Johnson in the head at point blank range. Sturgis then fled the location, while Barnett stayed and forced one of the witnesses to drive him to another location.
Eventually, one of the witnesses went to a business in the area and called 911, while another witness flagged down a police officer to tell him about the homicide.
“Although a life was lost, the public was able to deliver justice to the victim’s family by coming forward,” said State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby. “Those courageous individuals who witnessed this horrific attack have earned my deepest respect and appreciation for standing up to these cowards.”
