Although he and his attorneys have maintained his innocence, Daryll Johnson accepted a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the second day of his trial. If he had been convicted of second-degree murder, he would have been sentenced to life in prison. Instead, NOLA reports Johnson was sentenced to 15 years, with credit for time served.
Prior to sentencing, Criminal District Court Judge Paul Bonin asked Johnson why he agreed to plead guilty. Johnson said, "Your honor, truly, I just want to get this over with and get back home to my children."
Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro said Johnson's mother was expected to be one of the prosecution's key witnesses. However, As reported by NOLA, she refused to testify and even ignored a warrant to compel her to appear.
According to NOLA, Cannizzaro ultimately admitted "that there were certain problems with the case," and that the case against Johnson was based on "totally and completely circumstantial evidence." Although he said, "Certainly it wasn't a perfect conclusion for us ... ", he believes they negotiated the best possible outcome.
Kinya Keller's family also agreed to the plea agreement. During sentencing, Judge Bonin said, "But for the graciousness of Kinya's mother and father ... this would not be the outcome. And I hope you ... might say some prayers of thanks ... " As reported by The Cinemaholic, Johnson is currently housed at the Caldwell Correctional Center in Clarks, Louisiana.
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