U.S. News

Johnson guilty of Phylicia Barnes' murder

Published: Feb. 6, 2013 at 3:43 PM

BALTIMORE, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Michael Johnson was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Phylicia Barnes, who disappeared in 2010 while visiting family in Baltimore.

The body of Barnes, a North Carolina teenager, was discovered in a river, choked to death, in April 2011. Johnson was arrested and charged a year later. Jurors began deliberations Monday afternoon and returned to the courtroom at noon Wednesday to deliver their verdict, WBAL-TV, Baltimore, reported.

In closing arguments Monday, prosecutors suggested Johnson was romantically interested in Barnes and suggested he was jealous of time she spent with others. Defense lawyers said police zeroed in on Johnson to the exclusion of other possibilities.

Topics: Michael Johnson, Ed Johnson, Ted Johnson

© 2013 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent.

Order reprints

Most Popular Collections

'Star Trek Into Darkness' screening	NBC upfronts	Met Ball 2013
'Great Gatsby' premieres in New York	Spire raised on top of One WTC	2013: Celebrity break ups and divorces

Additional U.S. News Stories
Top News Couple held after second child dies in 'faith-healing' PHILADELPHIA, May 24 (UPI) -- A Philadelphia judge ordered a couple detained because others might "harbor" them from prosecution for the death of their baby after he was denied medical care. Justice Department wanted indefinite tracking of Fox reporter's email N.H. woman gets 40 years for using teen girl in child porn Illinois House approves concealed weapons bill Inslee: Temp bridge might sub for collapsed I-5 bridge	Entertainment News Tim Curry had stroke last July, says agent LOS ANGELES, May 24 (UPI) -- Tim Curry's agent told USA Today the British actor suffered a stroke in July but is now doing "very well." Jimmy Kimmel bought nude Bea Arthur painting for $1.9M Tom Cruise drops out of 'Man From U.N.C.L.E.' 'The Great Gatsby' crosses $100M milestone in North America NBC to air fundraising telethon for tornado victims
Business News Stock indexes close mixed NEW YORK, May 24 (UPI) -- U.S. stock indexes closed mixed on Friday, with the Dow Jones industrial average closing just above break-even on the New York Stock Exchange. Algeria under pressure over energy industry Crude oil closes above $94 a barrel Chile fines Barrick $15.8M over gold mine project Four indicted for filing fake tax returns for nearly $7M in refunds	Odd News 'Potty Party' inaugurates public restroom NAPERVILLE, Ill., May 24 (UPI) -- Parks officials in an Illinois city held a "potty party" to celebrate the opening of a restroom facility in a downtown park. Irish gran locks three suspected thieves in farmyard Marathoner chases down suspected purse snatcher The almanac Your Daily Horoscope