ANDERSON — The trial of a 20-year-old Anderson man accused of shooting to death a city teen in December is expected to begin in earnest Wednesday in Madison Superior Court 1 with attorneys presenting opening arguments.
Prosecutors charged Jalon N. Johnson with a single count of murder for allegedly shooting to death 17-year-old Ashtin Logan outside Logan’s home in the 2100 block of Madison Avenue. Johnson faces 45 to 65 years in prison if convicted.
Jury selection was completed Tuesday. Defense attorney Bryan Williams said he told prospective jurors they would be faced with making one of two decisions at the trial’s conclusion.
“I told them they’re going to have two choices,” Williams said. “’Was this self-defense or was this reckless homicide?’”
Hamilton County attorney Jim Toombs is also defending Johnson. A published listing for Toombs could not be located late Tuesday. Williams said the trial would likely end Tuesday, July 1, but might conclude on Friday.
Williams declined to comment on whether Johnson will testify.
Deputy Prosecutor Kevin Eads said he expected to call Logan’s mother, Gwendelyn Jones, and his sister Ashley Logan to testify today. He said several Anderson police officers would also likely testify.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the charge:
An ongoing feud between Logan and his friends and Johnson, his 17-year-old brother and their acquaintances culminated in the shooting. Johnson’s brother drove him to Logan’s house. Johnson got out of the car and allegedly opened fire with an SKS assault rifle at Logan’s home. When several people stepped outside, Johnson continued firing, prosecutors previously said.
Logan was struck by a single round in his left forearm, and an autopsy determined bullet fragments caused wounds to his abdomen and groin. He died at Indianapolis’ Methodist Hospital the next day.
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What’s next?
Attorneys are expected to make opening statements in the murder trial of Jalon N. Johnson, 20, Anderson, beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday in Madison Superior Court 1. Johnson faces 45 to 65 years in prison if he’s found guilty of shooting to death 17-year-old Ashtin Logan on Dec. 16.
Local News
10:22 p.m.: Murder trial opens Wednesday
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