A 23-year-old man accused of shooting another man in the face got a lighter sentence Monday because the victim didn’t show up to court, a Hamilton County prosecutor said.
Kodi JohnsonKodi Johnson pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and will serve three years in the Tennessee Department of Correction, records show. His other charges – attempted first-degree murder, reckless endangerment and employing a firearm during a dangerous felony – were dismissed.
“What’s the reason for the reduction?” asked Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Tom Greenholtz.
“The victim isn’t present,” prosecutor Kristen Spires replied. “He hasn’t been totally willing to cooperate. Additionally, given the statements made at the time, we have some victim credibility issues.”
Spires said Roger Heard identified Johnson in Hamilton County General Sessions Court shortly after police say he went over to 6317 Walden Ave. on June 18, 2015, to pay up a bet. While he was handing money over to Johnson’s older brother, Johnson stepped up and shot him in the face with a revolver, records show.