KENNETH JOHNSON CONVICTED OF MURDER

Killed Girlfriend in a Van after Partying with Her and Friends

Atlanta - 41-year old Kenneth Johnson was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping and weapons charges by a Fulton County jury of four (4) men and eight (8) women. Johnson was convicted in the December 21, 2002 murder of 40-year-old Teresa Smith, whom he was dating.

Assistant District Attorney Ron Boyter introduced evidence that Johnson put a gun in Smith’s mouth and shot her, after she came to the aid of a friend with whom Johnson had been arguing all evening. Johnson, Smith and three others had left the party in a Dodge minivan when the shooting occurred. The witnesses testified Johnson forced the only other man in the car, to help him dump Smith’s body and then drive him to Tennessee. The man escaped with the van at a service station, drove back to Atlanta and called police. Johnson was arrested in Tennessee.

The case was tried before Fulton County Superior Court judge Bensonetta Lane. Atlanta Police Detective Steve S. Walden was the lead investigator in the case.

Johnson will be sentenced within the next two weeks.

CONTACT: Lyn Vaughn, 404-224-0560 (office); 404-533-1381 (pager)