An Ocean City driver is headed to state prison for four decades after a deadly hit-and-run in a busy shopping-center parking lot near 94th Street left a pedestrian fatally injured in December 2024. The victim was rushed from the scene to Atlantic General Hospital, where he later died.
On Wednesday, Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Brian D. Shockley sentenced 57-year-old James John Johnson to 40 years behind bars after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder, according to DelmarvaNow. The judge also credited Johnson with 463 days already served, the outlet reported.
How police say the crash unfolded
Investigators say the chaos started on the afternoon of Dec. 16, when a dark SUV pulled into the parking lot, suddenly accelerated, and swerved directly into the pedestrian before speeding away, as reported by WBOC. First responders performed lifesaving measures at the scene and then took the man to Atlantic General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigation and arrest
Detectives pieced together what happened using surveillance video and witness accounts, ultimately tracking the suspect SUV to a residence near 77th Street and identifying Johnson as the vehicle's owner and driver, according to DelmarvaNow. Police arrested him on Dec. 17, 2024, and prosecutors initially charged him with several felonies, including first- and second-degree murder, along with additional counts listed in court charging documents.
Police appeal for witnesses
Even with a conviction secured, Ocean City Police are still asking anyone who may have information about the case to contact Detective Amy Gutowski or the department's tip line. WBOC has previously published the relevant contact information and the case number, 2024-00-5078. Investigators say that surveillance footage and eyewitness testimony were crucial in building the case and securing Johnson's second-degree murder conviction.
