Defendant Sentenced to 35 Years for Killing Bystander in Booth Street Shootout

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On Jan 14, a 23-year-old defendant got a combined 35-year sentence for killing an innocent bystander by Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeannie J. Hong.

Jason Johnson, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, firearm use in a felony violent crime, firearm possession with a felony conviction, attempted voluntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and affray or causing a public disturbance.

On June 6, 2023, according to the prosecution, Johnson and Jamal Piles engaged in a shootout on the 1300 block of Booth Street, which resulted in the death of Piles’ wife, Kimberly Benjamin.

The prosecution said Johnson was unrepentant, citing his history of aggressive behavior with officers while awaiting trial, and reportedly admitted to Piles that he shot his wife while both men were in jail. .

Johnson is not entitled to use a gun every time he gets mad, said the prosecutor. He recommended a 60-year sentence as the best way to keep the community safe.

Benjamin’s sister said she has no hate for Johnson, but she hoped he could change.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Brandon Patterson, pointed out Johnson’s history of abuse and that he was negatively influenced by Baltimore street culture.

Petterson argued that Johnson’s actions were driven by a survival instinct after being shot three times in the leg during the altercation.

Johnson’s grandmother, speaking on his behalf, noted Johnson is a family man with two baby boys.

Judge Hong acknowledged that Johnson was good to his family and those who cared about him, while also noting that he had been suspended at least 20 times for fighting in school, was found guilty four times for wrongful possession of a weapon, and was on probation at the time of the shooting.

“You must have two personalities,” Judge Hong said.

The sentence includes ten years for voluntary manslaughter; 20 consecutive years, the first five years without the possibility of parole, for firearm use in a felony violent crime; 15 concurrent years for firearm possession with a felony conviction; 10 concurrent years for attempted voluntary manslaughter; five consecutive years for reckless endangerment; and 12 concurrent years for the affray charge.