A Walton County jury has convicted 17-year-old Artis Johnson of felony murder in the shooting death of his 15-year-old relative, Cordarius Early, following a dispute over a one-dollar bet in a dice game. The killing happened in Monroe nearly three years ago, and Johnson, who was a juvenile at the time of the shooting, was tried and convicted at age 17.
According to a joint statement from the Walton County District Attorney's Office and the City of Monroe Police Department reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, the shooting happened around 3:30 p.m. on February 3, 2024, as Johnson and Early were walking with a group of friends along North Madison Avenue. Investigators said the shooting followed an earlier dispute over a dice game involving a one-dollar bet, and prosecutors said Johnson shot Early six times, killing him.
A Family Relationship Still Unexplained
Johnson and Early were relatives, authorities confirmed, though officials have not detailed the specific family connection between the two teens beyond that. That detail remains unresolved in the public record more than two and a half years after the shooting.
Authorities said that after the shooting, Johnson ran from the scene, triggering a police chase. Officers caught him near the Windstream building on Highland Avenue, according to the same joint statement. While on the run, Johnson discarded several pieces of evidence, including the murder weapon, clothing and marijuana, officials said.
Conflicting Accounts of the Verdict
On October 26, a Walton County jury found Johnson guilty, though reports differ on the precise list of charges. FOX 5 Atlanta reported the jury convicted Johnson of felony murder, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, possessing marijuana with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm while under 18. Monroe Local News reported an additional charge in its account, listing felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, tampering with evidence, and possession of a firearm by a person under 18.
Sentencing Set for January
Johnson remains in custody awaiting sentencing, with a hearing scheduled for January 11, 2027, FOX 5 Atlanta reported. What penalty he will face has not yet been determined, and the outcome of that hearing is still pending.
