Brandon Dewayne Johnson
Spree Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Spree Killing
LOCATION
Little Rock, Arkansas
TIME PERIOD
September 2008 – January 13, 2009
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Brandon Dewayne Johnson, an American serial killer, committed a series of violent robberies in Little Rock, Arkansas, between September 2008 and January 13, 2009, resulting in the deaths of three men and injuries to eight others. Johnson, born January 18, 1988, was on probation for prior misdemeanors when he initiated his crime spree, primarily targeting Hispanic victims with a .380-caliber handgun. He was apprehended on January 15, 2009, and later pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder, along with multiple charges of aggravated robbery and theft, receiving a 100-year prison sentence. Significant evidence included eyewitness accounts and ballistic analysis linking him to the shootings, ultimately leading to his conviction and incarceration at the Cummins Unit.
Brandon Dewayne Johnson is believed to have targeted Hispanic victims during his crime spree, raising speculation about potential racial or cultural motivations behind his actions. Some community members theorize that his mental disability may have influenced his violent behavior, as he was found to be mentally disabled at the time of his trial. There is also speculation regarding whether his prior criminal history, including probation for car theft and check fraud, contributed to his escalation into more violent crimes.
The Violent Path of Brandon Dewayne Johnson
In the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, a young man named Brandon Dewayne Johnson embarked on a spree of violence that would forever alter the lives of many. Born on January 18, 1988, Johnson's descent into crime culminated in a series of brutal robberies and murders between September 2008 and January 2009, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.
A Spree Begins
September 2008 marked the beginning of Johnson's crime spree. At just 20 years old, he was already on probation for misdemeanor offenses, including car theft and check fraud. Yet, his ambitions took a darker turn as he commenced a series of armed robberies primarily targeting Hispanic individuals in Little Rock. Armed with a .380-caliber handgun, Johnson's actions resulted in the deaths of three men and left eight others wounded.
The Murders
The violence escalated on November 15, when Armando Guerrero and his friend Andy Tapia encountered Johnson. As they left a friend's apartment, Johnson approached them, requesting to use a cellphone. When they denied having one, he robbed them at gunpoint and shot Guerrero in the torso. Guerrero survived, but the incident was only a precursor to further violence.
Two days later, on November 17, Jairo Castorena-Mendez was leaving his sister's apartment when he was confronted by Johnson wearing a mask from the movie Scream. Castorena-Mendez attempted to retreat, but Johnson fired through the door, striking him in the arm. Fortunately, Castorena-Mendez survived his injuries.
On December 10, a hit-and-run argument led Johnson to open fire on two men, including Shamar Womack, who crashed and abandoned his car. Womack's girlfriend, the car's owner, informed detectives of the incident, leading them to Womack, who identified Johnson as the shooter.
One of Johnson's most heinous acts occurred on December 18. After robbing Carlos Lario at his apartment and shooting him in the hand, Johnson took his violence further. He fatally shot Joseph Bittengle, a 50-year-old University of Arkansas associate professor, in his apartment complex parking lot as Bittengle helped his elderly mother pack her car. Johnson, targeting Bittengle for appearing vulnerable, also robbed his mother before fleeing.
January 13, 2009, was another day of tragedy. Johnson shot 26-year-old Akshaya Nandam, an Indian immigrant, after mistaking him for Hispanic. Nandam succumbed to his injuries the next day. Johnson then encountered 24-year-old Eric German on his way to work at McDonald's, shooting him fatally after a robbery. Johnson's arrest followed two days later, leading to his detention without bail.
The Legal Aftermath
While incarcerated, Johnson's mental capacity became a focal point. Prosecutors initially sought the death penalty, but Johnson's legal team highlighted his mental disability, confirmed by state doctors. This revelation made him ineligible for execution, leading to a plea agreement. Johnson pled guilty to three counts of first-degree murder among other charges and received a 100-year prison sentence. This agreement spared him a potential life sentence without parole.
During his July 2010 sentencing, Judge Marion Humphrey questioned Johnson's motives. Johnson attributed his actions to "bad judgement" and poor associations, although he was confronted with a letter claiming his crimes were to provide for children. Ultimately, Judge Humphrey adhered to the plea deal, sentencing Johnson to 100 years in prison.
Life Behind Bars
Now serving his time at the Cummins Unit, Johnson's life remains troubled. Despite completing anger management courses, he has incurred over 30 infractions, including disobeying orders and possession of contraband. Johnson will not be eligible for parole until October 12, 2071, when he will be 83 years old.
Collateral Damage
Johnson's crimes did not occur in isolation. Shamar Womack faced charges for aggravated robbery and later for a separate murder, while Johnson's girlfriend, Victoria McCoy, was implicated in credit card fraud related to the robberies. The outcomes for McCoy remain unknown, while Womack served time for robbery before facing new charges in 2014.
Through the lens of one man's violent choices, the community of Little Rock was left to grapple with the aftermath—a stark reminder of the devastation wrought by crime.
Sources
- Man gets 100 years in deaths, Arkansas Online, July 9, 2010
- Reservoir of troubles, Arkansas Times, March 4, 2009
- Police: Stop at McDonald's linked suspect to shootings, Arkansas Online, January 17, 2009
- Sanity hearing set in robberies, Arkansas Online, January 26, 2010
- Arrest made in killings of 3, Arkansas Online, January 15, 2009
- Two accused of Friday murder make first court appearance, Arkansas Online, February 24, 2014
- ADC, Archived from ADC, April 27, 2022
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Crime Spree Begins
Brandon Johnson starts a series of violent robberies in Little Rock, Arkansas.
First Shooting Incident
Johnson robs and shoots Armando Guerrero, who survives.
Second Shooting Incident
Johnson shoots Jairo Castorena-Mendez as he attempts to escape.
Fatal Shooting of Joseph Bittengle
Johnson fatally shoots Joseph Bittengle during a robbery.
Double Homicide
Johnson kills Akshaya Nandam and Eric German in separate incidents.
Arrest of Brandon Johnson
Johnson is apprehended by police following the shootings.
Guilty Plea
Johnson pleads guilty to three counts of first degree murder and other charges.
Sentencing
Johnson is sentenced to 100 years in prison.
Brandon Dewayne Johnson, an American serial killer, committed a series of violent robberies in Little Rock, Arkansas, between September 2008 and January 13, 2009, resulting in the deaths of three men and injuries to eight others. Johnson, born January 18, 1988, was on probation for prior misdemeanors when he initiated his crime spree, primarily targeting Hispanic victims with a .380-caliber handgun. He was apprehended on January 15, 2009, and later pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder, along with multiple charges of aggravated robbery and theft, receiving a 100-year prison sentence. Significant evidence included eyewitness accounts and ballistic analysis linking him to the shootings, ultimately leading to his conviction and incarceration at the Cummins Unit.
Brandon Dewayne Johnson is believed to have targeted Hispanic victims during his crime spree, raising speculation about potential racial or cultural motivations behind his actions. Some community members theorize that his mental disability may have influenced his violent behavior, as he was found to be mentally disabled at the time of his trial. There is also speculation regarding whether his prior criminal history, including probation for car theft and check fraud, contributed to his escalation into more violent crimes.
The Violent Path of Brandon Dewayne Johnson
In the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, a young man named Brandon Dewayne Johnson embarked on a spree of violence that would forever alter the lives of many. Born on January 18, 1988, Johnson's descent into crime culminated in a series of brutal robberies and murders between September 2008 and January 2009, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.
A Spree Begins
September 2008 marked the beginning of Johnson's crime spree. At just 20 years old, he was already on probation for misdemeanor offenses, including car theft and check fraud. Yet, his ambitions took a darker turn as he commenced a series of armed robberies primarily targeting Hispanic individuals in Little Rock. Armed with a .380-caliber handgun, Johnson's actions resulted in the deaths of three men and left eight others wounded.
The Murders
The violence escalated on November 15, when Armando Guerrero and his friend Andy Tapia encountered Johnson. As they left a friend's apartment, Johnson approached them, requesting to use a cellphone. When they denied having one, he robbed them at gunpoint and shot Guerrero in the torso. Guerrero survived, but the incident was only a precursor to further violence.
Two days later, on November 17, Jairo Castorena-Mendez was leaving his sister's apartment when he was confronted by Johnson wearing a mask from the movie Scream. Castorena-Mendez attempted to retreat, but Johnson fired through the door, striking him in the arm. Fortunately, Castorena-Mendez survived his injuries.
On December 10, a hit-and-run argument led Johnson to open fire on two men, including Shamar Womack, who crashed and abandoned his car. Womack's girlfriend, the car's owner, informed detectives of the incident, leading them to Womack, who identified Johnson as the shooter.
One of Johnson's most heinous acts occurred on December 18. After robbing Carlos Lario at his apartment and shooting him in the hand, Johnson took his violence further. He fatally shot Joseph Bittengle, a 50-year-old University of Arkansas associate professor, in his apartment complex parking lot as Bittengle helped his elderly mother pack her car. Johnson, targeting Bittengle for appearing vulnerable, also robbed his mother before fleeing.
January 13, 2009, was another day of tragedy. Johnson shot 26-year-old Akshaya Nandam, an Indian immigrant, after mistaking him for Hispanic. Nandam succumbed to his injuries the next day. Johnson then encountered 24-year-old Eric German on his way to work at McDonald's, shooting him fatally after a robbery. Johnson's arrest followed two days later, leading to his detention without bail.
The Legal Aftermath
While incarcerated, Johnson's mental capacity became a focal point. Prosecutors initially sought the death penalty, but Johnson's legal team highlighted his mental disability, confirmed by state doctors. This revelation made him ineligible for execution, leading to a plea agreement. Johnson pled guilty to three counts of first-degree murder among other charges and received a 100-year prison sentence. This agreement spared him a potential life sentence without parole.
During his July 2010 sentencing, Judge Marion Humphrey questioned Johnson's motives. Johnson attributed his actions to "bad judgement" and poor associations, although he was confronted with a letter claiming his crimes were to provide for children. Ultimately, Judge Humphrey adhered to the plea deal, sentencing Johnson to 100 years in prison.
Life Behind Bars
Now serving his time at the Cummins Unit, Johnson's life remains troubled. Despite completing anger management courses, he has incurred over 30 infractions, including disobeying orders and possession of contraband. Johnson will not be eligible for parole until October 12, 2071, when he will be 83 years old.
Collateral Damage
Johnson's crimes did not occur in isolation. Shamar Womack faced charges for aggravated robbery and later for a separate murder, while Johnson's girlfriend, Victoria McCoy, was implicated in credit card fraud related to the robberies. The outcomes for McCoy remain unknown, while Womack served time for robbery before facing new charges in 2014.
Through the lens of one man's violent choices, the community of Little Rock was left to grapple with the aftermath—a stark reminder of the devastation wrought by crime.
Sources
- Man gets 100 years in deaths, Arkansas Online, July 9, 2010
- Reservoir of troubles, Arkansas Times, March 4, 2009
- Police: Stop at McDonald's linked suspect to shootings, Arkansas Online, January 17, 2009
- Sanity hearing set in robberies, Arkansas Online, January 26, 2010
- Arrest made in killings of 3, Arkansas Online, January 15, 2009
- Two accused of Friday murder make first court appearance, Arkansas Online, February 24, 2014
- ADC, Archived from ADC, April 27, 2022
No Recent News
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No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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Crime Spree Begins
Brandon Johnson starts a series of violent robberies in Little Rock, Arkansas.
First Shooting Incident
Johnson robs and shoots Armando Guerrero, who survives.
Second Shooting Incident
Johnson shoots Jairo Castorena-Mendez as he attempts to escape.
Fatal Shooting of Joseph Bittengle
Johnson fatally shoots Joseph Bittengle during a robbery.
Double Homicide
Johnson kills Akshaya Nandam and Eric German in separate incidents.
Arrest of Brandon Johnson
Johnson is apprehended by police following the shootings.
Guilty Plea
Johnson pleads guilty to three counts of first degree murder and other charges.
Sentencing
Johnson is sentenced to 100 years in prison.