CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Charleston man faces life in prison in connection with a deadly shooting on the city’s West Side.
John Ford, 27, was arrested and charged with first degree murder Tuesday. He’s accused of killing Bryant Johnson, 52, last month.
The shooting took place at a home on the 1000 block of 1st Avenue April 30 at around 11 p.m.
Charleston Police Chief of Detectives Lt. Steve Cooper said witness statements lead them to Ford’s arrest.
“We were able to interview witnesses who had direct knowledge of the incident within the last 24-36 hours. The information that was provided was the piece we had been looking for to be able to charge Mr. Ford in this homicide,” Cooper said.
Ford was already in federal custody for a probation violation, Cooper said.
“We were able to get Mr. Ford into custody yesterday (Monday) with the assistance of the United States Marshal Service based on the federal charge that was pending. They gave us time to get the warrant together and to send the case file over to the prosecutor’s office,” he said.
According to the criminal complaint, drugs were involved.
Police said two women were with Ford at the time of the shooting. Sherry Gray gave Ford a ride to the apartment complex where Johnson was located. Michelle Gray walked with Ford to the apartment. She told police she waited outside as Ford went in to get heroin. As she waited, Michelle said she heard several gunshots. Sherry said she heard a “pop” sound three times as she waited in the car.
Ford was described as wearing all black clothing and a mask.
Investigators recovered evidence inside Ford’s home on Hendrix Avenue which included several black sweatshirts, a .22 caliber bullet and a black face mask.
Ford is being held at the South Central Regional Jail without bond.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 16 at 1:30 p.m.