CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An accused murderer denied during testimony Thursday that he shot and killed a man during a drug deal in Charleston in 2017.
John Stanley Ford III of Charleston took the stand in his own defense in day three of his murder trial in Kanawha County Circuit Court.
Ford is charged with killing Bryant Keith Johnson on the city’s west side in April 2017. Charleston Police said the incident occurred on the 1000 block of 1st Avenue on April 30, 2017, around 11 p.m. in Johnson’s residence.
Ford faces a first-degree murder charge along with charges first-degree robbery, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, prohibited person in possession of a concealed firearm, and wanton endangerment.
During his testimony, Ford admitted to being in the area and admitted to seeking drugs, but said he heard the shots but didn’t shoot Johnson.
The defense claims Kevin Carey did the shooting. Carey also testified Thursday.
Gwenetta Walker remained on the stand Thursday after being questioned on Wednesday as well. She was staying with Johnson at the time of the shooting.
Walker said a man arrived at Johnson’s residence around 11 p.m. and identified himself as “Kevin” shortly before Johnson was shot dead and his face was covered by a mask.
She went on to say during cross-examination by Ford’s lawyer, John Carr, that she ran through the living room to tell Johnson that “Kevin” had a mask on. The man ran to Johnson’s room to rob him, she said. Walker said Thursday that she believed she saw the two in the room were struggling over money.
“I know Bryant had money in his hands so when I ran in and saw a struggle, whether it was a bag with money in it or the money, itself,” she said. “He was trying to take it. He wasn’t trying to take his phone, I am sure.”
Closing arguments are set for Friday morning before a 12-member jury and Kanawha County Circuit Judge Charles King.