Phillips Black

johnny Johnson

Current Proceedings: Federal habeas corpus appeal pending in 8th Circuit

Case Number: 4:13-cv-00278-HEA (EDMO)

Judge: Henry E. Autrey

Defendant’s Demographic Information: White Male

Current Counsel:

Legal Status: Johnson v. Steele, No. 4:13CV00278 HEA, 2020 WL 5760742 (E.D. Mo. Sept. 28, 2020) (59(e) motion denied) ; Reply to Response filed on 04/26/2021

Significant Legal Issues:

• Trial counsel’s failure to investigate, develop, and present evidence that Mr. Johnson has organic brain damage, limited intellectual functioning, and a history of neglect and physical abuse in childhood

• Batson claim based on St. Louis County Prosecutor’s exclusion of two black veniremembers

• Claim of intellectual disability

Last Judicial Decision Related to Conviction or Sentence: Habeas relief denied by the Eastern District of Missouri in Johnson v. Steele, No. 4:13-cv-00278-HEA, 2020 WL 978038 (E.D. Mo. 2020).

Reported Opinions:

• Denial of post-conviction relief affirmed by Johnson v. State, 388 S.W.3d 159 (Mo. 2012)

• Conviction and sentenced affirmed on direct appeal by State v. Johnson, 207 S.W.3d 24 (Mo. 2006), cert. denied, 550 U.S. 971 (2007)

Prior Counsel: Deborah Wafer (direct); Robert Lundt (PCR); Kent Gipson, Taylor Rickard, and Gino F. Batisti (59(e) motion)

Conviction County: St. Louis County

Counts: 1

Victim Demographic: White Female

Crime Date: 07/26/2002

Sentencing Date: 03/27/2005

Trial Counsel:

• Beth Kerry

• Beverly Beimdiek

Trial Judge: Unknown

Trial Prosecutor: Unknown