In an emotional hearing on Aug. 10, two related families presented starkly contrasting views of a homicide.
Theodore Johnson, 44, was found guilty on May 21 of manslaughter and use of a firearm in a felony or violent crime after the shooting of his brother, William Christian, 49.
Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Althea M. Handy sentenced Johnson to 10 years for manslaughter and 20 years for use of a firearm in a felony or violent crime, with all but five years suspended. The firearm sentence will run concurrently with the manslaughter sentence. With five years credited as time served, Johnson is expected to serve 15 years total. He was also ordered to register as a gun offender under Baltimore City Code.
Before sentencing, the victim’s fiancée, two daughters and a cousin gave victim-impact testimony. They described the Christian as someone they loved deeply and as a great father.
Family members said they knew there was animosity between the brothers but didn’t realize how serious the conflict had become. One daughter said she was just beginning to get to know her father when he was killed. She became overwhelmed during her testimony and was unable to finish, breaking down in tears as she left the witness stand saying, “I can’t do it.”
The defendant’s two sons laughed through most of the victim-impact testimony at their father’s sentencing Monday, mocking the victim’s daughter’s clothing as she spoke and calling her a “’hoe” before Johnson’s wife quieted them.
Johnson’s defense attorney said his client struggled with substance abuse and dropped out of high school, later suffering a workplace injury that severed four toes and left him depressed and anxious. The attorney said Johnson carried a firearm fearing for his safety.
According to the defense, the victim came to the defendant’s home the day of the shooting and threatened Johnson, his 14-year-old daughter and her newborn child. The defense said the victim also punched Johnson’s wife, knocking her unconscious, before he and Johnson fought in an alley. The victim allegedly started the confrontation and was shot as he tried to flee.
No further trial dates are scheduled.
