Overview
- The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals on March 12 affirmed Justin Johnson’s 2024 convictions, with Judge Matthew J. Wilson joining the opinion.
- Johnson’s convictions include premeditated first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- The ruling leaves his life sentence plus 35 years intact with no further appeals available in the state court system.
- Appellate judges rejected challenges to graphic photo admissibility, a security-driven decision to seat Johnson behind counsel, and a brief prosecutor remark that drew no timely objection.
- Cornelius Smith, an admitted accomplice whose testimony was part of the case, is working toward a plea agreement with a hearing set for March 30.