Opening Arguments In Phylicia Barnes Murder Trial: Prosecutors Say Johnson Showed A Witness The Pretty Teen’s Dead Body

This morning during open arguments at the Phylicia Barnes Murder trial in Baltimore Circuit Court, the prosecution went straight to work, telling a jury that a petty thief named James McCray told investigators that Johnson called him to the apartment on the day Barnes was killed, showing him her body and asking for advice on what to do. The statement for the most part revealed the state’s strongest piece of evidence that has been made public so far. State Attorney Goldberg told the jury that they are unaware how Michael Johnson transported the pretty teen’s body to the Susquehanna River in Northern Maryland where she was found floating nude, but Johnson’s behavior that day was erratic. On December 28, 2010 the day Barnes disappeared Johnson called out from work, and was seen purchasing a 35 gallon container from a Wal-Mart which prosecutors say he transported the child’s body out of Deena Barnes’ northwest Baltimore apartment. How prosecutors learned about Johnson’s purchase is still unknown, but they plan to also produce two witnesses who say they observed him struggling to carry the tub in the hallway of the building around the time Johnson said he last saw young Phylicia. Goldberg also told jurors that Phylicia’s fate was the direct result of permissiveness by Phylicia Barnes’ older sister (Deena Barnes) who allowed the teen to indulge in drugs and alcohol, leading to a drunken, naked romp with an older man who would culminate in her death six months later. Goldberg added that June 13, 2010 was a turning point for 16-year-old Phylicia Barnes. Phylicia had been to Baltimore to visit Deena Barnes and Michael Johnson on several occasions, who had dated for 10 years. On that night at a party, they went streaking, then went to a neighborhood school and filmed themselves “nakedly touching” each other. Goldberg further said that while touching Deena, Johnson was looking at her younger sister, and in the ensuing months exchanged 1,300 text messages with her. The state’s opening remarks highlights that Johnson had been in contact with the pretty little girl far more frequently then made been revealed to the public. Upon Johnson’s arrest, reports surfaced that Johnson contacted the child 500 times via text messages during the months leading up to her finally visited to Baltimore which ended in her death. The prosecution didn’t expand on details of the alleged sexual relations that Johnson allegedly had with the Barnes youth, but they are scheduled to play the sex tape in open court which police discovered on Deena Barnes’ cellphone during the investigation of her disappearance. There are now 4 confirmed state witnesses who will testify for the state against Michael Johnson. The state has already publicly stated that Deena Barnes will testify when the sex tape is played in court, there are two witnesses who place Johnson the hallway of the building where Barnes was staying struggling to carry a large tub, and James McCray who says Johnson showed him the teen’s dad body.The state only used 13 minutes to give the jury an outline of their case, and at 10:35 a.m. EST the defense argued that the state overreached when they charge Johnson. Defense attorney Russell Neverdon said “this is not about sex, lies and videotape”, referring to the sex tape that had been captured months before Phylica was killed. Neverdon told the jury that none of the text messages Johnson exchanged with the Barnes teen were inappropriate or suggestive. He went on to say that Johnsonwas seen moving things out of the apartment he shared with Deena Barnes, because she had requested him to move out before the end of the year. Deena Barnes had previously stated during a “Peas In Their Pods” Blogtalk Broadcast that the pair had broken up, and they had discussed Johnson moving, and that it had been an ongoing process prior to Phylicia arriving in Baltimore. Neverdon also told the jurors that the witness who prosecutors say Johnson called for advice on moving the body is a “jailhouse snitch” who “can’t tell Michael Johnson from Michael Jordan,” said there was no DNA evidence, and that Barnes’ body showed no sign of injury. None of the attorneys from either side of this case revealed extensive details on how they actually plan to prove their case while cautiously reserving exposing the fundamental aspects of their strategies. However, much has been learned about what the state alleges happened to Phylicia Barnes. TPC will continue to bring updated news about this tragic story as details emerge.

Sources:

Baltimore Sun

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I’m David Adams

David Adams

David B. Adams grew up in the Highlandtown section of Baltimore's southeast district and is his parent's youngest child. He experienced pervasive poverty, which taught him humility and compassion for the plight of others. His exposure to violence and gritty urban life were some of his early lessons of life's many hardships. Adams credits the upheavals he endured during his conformity with helping to shape the foundation of his outlook and perspectives on society. With a steadfast commitment to giving voice to the voiceless, Adams is a journalist, crime writer, and blogger renowned for tireless investigative journalism and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations. As founder and administrator of The People's Champion, Adams sheds light on critical social issues, championing the rights of: - Homeless individuals - Victims of violent crime and their families - Wrongfully convicted individuals - Missing and exploited children; Additionally, he is a seasoned investigative reporter, Adams has earned recognition for relentless pursuit of truth and justice. With a strong national and global focus, on inspiring meaningful change and crucial conversations impacting all of humanity.

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This morning during open arguments at the Phylicia Barnes Murder trial in Baltimore Circuit Court, the prosecution went straight to work, telling a jury that a petty thief named James McCray told investigators that Johnson called him to the apartment on the day Barnes was killed, showing him her body and asking for advice on what to do. The statement for the most part revealed the state’s strongest piece of evidence that has been made public so far. State Attorney Goldberg told the jury that they are unaware how Michael Johnson transported the pretty teen’s body to the Susquehanna River in Northern Maryland where she was found floating nude, but Johnson’s behavior that day was erratic. On December 28, 2010 the day Barnes disappeared Johnson called out from work, and was seen purchasing a 35 gallon container from a Wal-Mart which prosecutors say he transported the child’s body out of Deena Barnes’ northwest Baltimore apartment. How prosecutors learned about Johnson’s purchase is still unknown, but they plan to also produce two witnesses who say they observed him struggling to carry the tub in the hallway of the building around the time Johnson said he last saw young Phylicia. Goldberg also told jurors that Phylicia’s fate was the direct result of permissiveness by Phylicia Barnes’ older sister (Deena Barnes) who allowed the teen to indulge in drugs and alcohol, leading to a drunken, naked romp with an older man who would culminate in her death six months later. Goldberg added that June 13, 2010 was a turning point for 16-year-old Phylicia Barnes. Phylicia had been to Baltimore to visit Deena Barnes and Michael Johnson on several occasions, who had dated for 10 years. On that night at a party, they went streaking, then went to a neighborhood school and filmed themselves “nakedly touching” each other. Goldberg further said that while touching Deena, Johnson was looking at her younger sister, and in the ensuing months exchanged 1,300 text messages with her. The state’s opening remarks highlights that Johnson had been in contact with the pretty little girl far more frequently then made been revealed to the public. Upon Johnson’s arrest, reports surfaced that Johnson contacted the child 500 times via text messages during the months leading up to her finally visited to Baltimore which ended in her death. The prosecution didn’t expand on details of the alleged sexual relations that Johnson allegedly had with the Barnes youth, but they are scheduled to play the sex tape in open court which police discovered on Deena Barnes’ cellphone during the investigation of her disappearance. There are now 4 confirmed state witnesses who will testify for the state against Michael Johnson. The state has already publicly stated that Deena Barnes will testify when the sex tape is played in court, there are two witnesses who place Johnson the hallway of the building where Barnes was staying struggling to carry a large tub, and James McCray who says Johnson showed him the teen’s dad body.The state only used 13 minutes to give the jury an outline of their case, and at 10:35 a.m. EST the defense argued that the state overreached when they charge Johnson. Defense attorney Russell Neverdon said “this is not about sex, lies and videotape”, referring to the sex tape that had been captured months before Phylica was killed. Neverdon told the jury that none of the text messages Johnson exchanged with the Barnes teen were inappropriate or suggestive. He went on to say that Johnsonwas seen moving things out of the apartment he shared with Deena Barnes, because she had requested him to move out before the end of the year. Deena Barnes had previously stated during a “Peas In Their Pods” Blogtalk Broadcast that the pair had broken up, and they had discussed Johnson moving, and that it had been an ongoing process prior to Phylicia arriving in Baltimore. Neverdon also told the jurors that the witness who prosecutors say Johnson called for advice on moving the body is a “jailhouse snitch” who “can’t tell Michael Johnson from Michael Jordan,” said there was no DNA evidence, and that Barnes’ body showed no sign of injury. None of the attorneys from either side of this case revealed extensive details on how they actually plan to prove their case while cautiously reserving exposing the fundamental aspects of their strategies. However, much has been learned about what the state alleges happened to Phylicia Barnes. TPC will continue to bring updated news about this tragic story as details emerge.

 

Sources:

Baltimore Sun

 

 

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

 

 

David Adams

David B. Adams grew up in the Highlandtown section of Baltimore's southeast district and is his parent's youngest child. He experienced pervasive poverty, which taught him humility and compassion for the plight of others. His exposure to violence and gritty urban life were some of his early lessons of life's many hardships. Adams credits the upheavals he endured during his conformity with helping to shape the foundation of his outlook and perspectives on society. With a steadfast commitment to giving voice to the voiceless, Adams is a journalist, crime writer, and blogger renowned for tireless investigative journalism and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations. As founder and administrator of The People's Champion, Adams sheds light on critical social issues, championing the rights of: - Homeless individuals - Victims of violent crime and their families - Wrongfully convicted individuals - Missing and exploited children; Additionally, he is a seasoned investigative reporter, Adams has earned recognition for relentless pursuit of truth and justice. With a strong national and global focus, on inspiring meaningful change and crucial conversations impacting all of humanity.

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:

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