Jakobie Johnson pleaded not guilty Monday in a Savannah case tied to the April shooting death of Najeh Williams outside Dave’s Hot Chicken off Victory Drive. Johnson asked for a jury trial and did not accept a prosecutor’s offer of life in prison with the possibility of parole.
Testimony in court described the evidence collected in the case. A detective said Williams had 50 gunshot wounds. Investigators found a firearm they allege Johnson used, along with 20 additional shell casings at the scene.
Law enforcement testimony also described surveillance video that showed Johnson leaving and throwing a gun beneath a nearby car. Officers testified that, while in a police car, Johnson said he was there because he “shot that boy.”
Charges and next steps
Johnson faces charges including malice murder, felony murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and aggravated assault. Prosecutor Whitney Josephine-Grace O’Brien said she had provided initial discovery to defense attorney Ryan Scott Raines and offered a sentence of life with the possibility of parole.
Judge Tammy Stokes asked how Johnson pleaded to the indictment. Raines entered a not-guilty plea on Johnson’s behalf and requested a jury trial. Raines also said he plans to file a bond reconsideration.
Johnson is expected to return to court Dec. 11.
Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia
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