On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, WOWT reported that a Nebraska judge presiding over the murder case of Christopher Johnson recused himself. Johnson is facing serious charges for the alleged shooting deaths of two men outside a Lincoln strip club in May.
The decision for the judge to step down came after Johnson’s defense team raised concerns regarding potential bias, citing that a bailiff associated with the judge is listed as a witness in the case.
The initial judge, Kevin McManaman, agreed to recuse himself, and the case has now been reassigned to Judge Matthew Mellor.
Johnson faces two counts of first-degree murder and has been denied bail. In July, prosecutors upgraded the charges from Class IA felonies to Class I felonies, which are the most severe offenses in Nebraska, thereby making Johnson eligible for the death penalty. His defense team is actively working to challenge this decision, arguing that the application of the death penalty in this case is unconstitutional.
The incident in question occurred on May 25, when Johnson allegedly opened fire on two men, identified as 39-year-old Carlos Silva and 40-year-old Terrell Jones, outside The Office, a strip club located near West Van Dorn Street and Highway 77 in Lincoln.
The case continues to unfold as legal proceedings advance, with heightened attention on the implications of the charges and the potential for capital punishment.
Source: WOWT
