Jurors returned a guilty verdict on July 21 in the fatal shooting trial of Deonyaye Johnson on September 9, 2025, at the intersection of N. Arlington Avenue and Riggs Avenue.
Timothy Shearn Jr, 27, was convicted of first-degree murder, two counts of firearm use, first degree assault, and having a handgun on his person. Jurors failed to reach a verdict on one count of second degree assault.
According to charging documents, the shooting stemmed from a dispute involving Shearn, his former partner and the mother of his child. After an earlier argument in which Shearn allegedly displayed a firearm, his former partner later returned to the area with Deonyaye Johnson, the father of her other child. Prosecutors alleged the two men argued before Shearn entered a nearby residence, retrieved a firearm, returned, and fatally shot Johnson.
During closing arguments, the prosecutor urged jurors to rely on witness testimony, surveillance footage, physical evidence and expert testimony presented throughout the trial. The prosecutor argued the detective established that Shearn retrieved a firearm from the residence and fatally shot Johnson.
Defense attorney Brandon Mead argued the state’s investigation contained significant inconsistencies, including gaps in surveillance footage and conflicting witness accounts. He contended the state failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Shearn was the shooter and urged jurors to return a not guilty verdict.
Shearn’s sentencing is scheduled for October 16, 2025 before Judge Hope Tipton.
