Armando Medina, 18, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault in connection with the February 2023 shooting death of 24-year-old Marquis Johnson. Medina, who was 16 at the time of the crime, faces a minimum of 10 years in prison after accepting a plea deal in front of Superior Court Judge Bruce Cohen.
The incident occurred on the evening of February 5, 2023, when Medina, along with three males and a female, was confronted by Johnson after a gunshot was heard. Police reports indicate that when Johnson attempted to approach the group, Medina, who was identified by a “poofy” hairstyle, pulled out a gun and shot him. Medina later told police that Johnson had asked him for money and that he shot the victim after Johnson got too close. He also admitted to kicking Johnson while he was on the ground.
Medina was arrested three days after the shooting. His defense attorney, Rebecca Felmly, stated that Medina unintentionally caused Johnson’s death, while Assistant County Attorney Rick Nothwehr noted that the victim’s family felt the plea deal resulted in a lenient sentence. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 6, where both Medina and Johnson’s family will have the chance to address the court.