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Michael Johnson Trial Opens in Baltimore County on Attempted Murder and Rape Charges

Tight limits on expert evidence could shape how jurors weigh the state's graphic case.

Overview

  • Prosecutors opened with hospital photos and police bodycam video as the woman testified that Johnson raped and choked her for hours.
  • The woman told jurors she passed out, slipped out the next morning, and texted her social worker, who then contacted police.
  • Defense lawyers said her account is unreliable and argued medical records show no head or neck injuries to support attempted murder, while conceding the evidence could fit a lesser assault charge.
  • Judge Jan Alexander set boundaries on what medical experts may say and, by agreement, barred any reference to prior domestic violence allegations between the two.
  • Johnson has been held in Baltimore County for about two years as the case moves forward, drawing attention because his earlier prosecution in Phylicia Barnes’ death ended without a conviction.