On Monday, November 18, 2024, Channel 8 KLKN-TV reported that all judges in Lancaster County have recused themselves from presiding over the trial of Christopher Johnson, who is accused of a double homicide at a Lincoln strip club. The decision follows a motion filed by Johnson, who is charged with the shooting deaths of Carlos Silva and Terrell Jones at The Office Gentlemen’s Club on May 25.
Initially, Judge Kevin McManaman recused himself after Johnson pointed out that his bailiff was listed as a witness. However, Johnson subsequently requested that all judges in the Third Judicial District step aside, citing concerns about potential conflicts of interest due to the close working relationships among the judges and their staff.
In his ruling, Judge Matthew Mellor stated that although he found no merit in Johnson’s argument regarding impartiality, he ordered the recusal as a precautionary measure, ensuring that the integrity of the court is maintained. Mellor noted that Johnson’s public questioning of the court’s integrity necessitated this action.
He has requested that the state’s chief justice assign a judge from a different district to handle the case, although it remains uncertain whether the trial will be relocated to that judge’s jurisdiction.
Source: Channel 8 KLKN-TV
