Thank you for reading Baltimore Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.
By
Tomas Coles
- August 12, 2025
Court
|
Daily Stories
|
Homicides
|
Shooting
|
Suspects
|
Victims
|
Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeannie J. Hong sentenced Lamont Bethea Johnson Jr., 37, to 60 years, suspending all but 40, on Aug. 11 for the murder of Tiwan Wilson, 22.
Johnson was initially charged with first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony crime of violence, having a handgun on his person and two counts of firearm possession with a prior disqualifying felony conviction for his involvement in the fatal Aug. 4, 2023 shooting, which occurred on the 300 block of S. Calhoun Street.
The sentencing comes a little over two months after Johnson entered a binding guilty plea to his first two counts. Johnson will also be required to serve five years of probation upon completion of his sentence and attend mental health treatment.
Johnson apologized directly to Wilson’s family, who sat in the benches behind him during the hearing. He acknowledged there was nothing he could do to appease them and expressed regret over the events.
“I’m not a violent person,” he told the court.
The prosecution delivered impact statements from Wilson’s mother and aunt, who wrote that Wilson was a good person who left behind family. They shared that it hurt them deeply to see Wilson suffer.
Defense attorney Gregory Fischer presented letters from Johnson’s aunt and adopted brother, who wrote that Johnson was an individual who intentionally went out of his way to help others and prevent bullying. They apologized to Wilson’s family and asked for grace from God.