Alabama prosecutors will bring murder charges in the case of a 17-year-old shot while committing a robbery, but not against the man who pulled the trigger.
The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office says on Feb. 7, 17-year-old Isaiah Johnson and his friend, 17-year-old Tavares Floyd, agreed to meet a man on a local street to sell him a gun. When the intended victim showed up with the cash, Johnson and Floyd attempted to rob him.
It did not go well for the pair. Rather than getting the money, Johnson got a round in the chest.
After reviewing the case, prosecutors have filed murder charges.
They ruled the shooting to be a justified homicide, an act of self-defense. The intended victim contacted police after the incident, cooperated fully and faces no charges.
But under Alabama law, if someone is killed during the commission of a crime, his or her accomplice can be charged with murder.
Floyd is being charged with Johnson’s murder.
“As unfortunate as it is, our detectives did a really good job in this investigation through the various twists and turns,” said Birmingham police Chief A.C. Roper tells AL.com. “This is the cycle we’re trying to break where too many young men are glorifying this violent lifestyle and losing their lives. It’s so sad for the families that are left behind to pick up the pieces, so our thoughts and prayers are with them.”