Victim’s Mother Says Her Son’s Death was a ‘Deep, Intrinsic Loss’

By Cynthia Eapen [former] - November 23, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

The mother of a homicide victim said her son’s death was a deep and intrinsic loss to her and her family during an impact statement in Baltimore City Circuit Court on Nov. 22. 

Billy Johnson, 32, was convicted of second-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon with an intent to injure. This was in connection to an incident on Dec. 22, 2020 when he allegedly stabbed Brandon Flemming on the 2500 block of Woodland Avenue. 

On Nov. 8, Johnson accepted a guilty plea of 10 years, suspending all but seven years, with five years of probation for second-degree murder and 3 years for the use of a deadly weapon to be served consecutively.

During Monday’s proceedings, Flemming’s mother said she believed that her son’s life could have been saved had Johnson called her or 911 after stabbing Flemming in the back..

Instead, she said, the defendant allowed Flemming to suffer and die. In addition to her statement, three additional victim impact statements from family members were submitted in writing.

After the victim’s mother’s statement, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn asked whether there was anything further from counsel when defense attorney Matthew Connell requested that the judge accept the agreed upon sentence . 

Judge Phinn agreed with the offer and finalized Johnson’s sentence.