James Wheeler was convicted of voluntary manslaughter for fatally shooting Johnny James Johnson Jr. outside a fast food restaurant in Oakland. The jury acquitted him of first and second-degree murder, but found him guilty of manslaughter, shooting at an occupied vehicle, and possessing a firearm as a felon. Wheeler claimed self-defense, alleging Johnson threatened him during an altercation. Prior to the trial, racial bias concerns arose regarding the judge’s comments on jury selection, reflecting biases regarding the credibility of witnesses based on race. Johnson's violent social media posts contributed to the defense's case.
Wheeler claimed Johnson tried to block his exit from the parking lot and made threats during an altercation outside Taco Bell, prompting his actions.
The jury found Wheeler not guilty of murder but convicted him of voluntary manslaughter and additional charges related to gun possession and shooting at a vehicle.
Johnson's social media presence included posts that suggested a penchant for violence, with captions challenging others to confrontations and images depicting blood.
Concerns were raised about alleged implicit racial bias during jury selection, as perceptions of witness trustworthiness were influenced by the witness's racial background.
Collection
[
|
...
]