Despite not being the perpetrator of the fatal act, Elijah was convicted and received a sentence of three consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole (LWOP)
The Truth of the Tragedy
1
The Robbery
On April 28, 2016, David Nguyen, accompanied by Elijah Johnson and two others, set out to rob Dong Le, a former associate.
2
The Incident
The robbery took a tragic turn when Nguyen fatally shot Dong Le, his brother Tien Le, and their father, Thahn Le.
3
The Aftermath
The crime sent shockwaves through the community, leaving the Le family devastated and forever scarred by the loss.
Elijah Johnson Never Fired a Weapon, Casting Doubt on Prosecution's Case
No Shots Fired
Crucially, Elijah Johnson never fired a weapon during the entire incident. This fact significantly weakens the prosecution's case against him.
Johnson's Testimony
Elijah took the stand to proclaim his innocence, recounting his fear and lack of involvement in the murders. His testimony provides valuable insight into the events of that night.
Jamilia Land's Advocacy
Jamilia Land, Elijah's mother, has been a steadfast advocate for his freedom. She firmly believes in his innocence, further strengthening the call for a review of his case.
Jamilia Land, mother of Elijah Johnson
"My son was sentenced to 3 life sentences without the possibility of parole plus 10 years with 5 years credit all while noting the record that he didn't shoot or kill anyone. While many of you don't know my silent struggles because I choose to love and fight for everyone even while in pain, today I ask for your prayers to keep me. Anyone who knows me already knows that I will go to war for what I believe in. I miss my son more than words could express. I cry often when no one is around and carry the pain of so many with gladness in my soul. Many question and wonder my authenticity without knowing the depth of my heart.....for me it's simple, I fight for others with such tenacity because I know all to well the pain of fighting alone. I don't want ANYONE I encounter to feel that so I often pour myself out to be there support. Sometimes it's welcomed, other's it is not but I will continue to love selflessly despite it all. I may not have lost a child to other avenues and I dare not ever compare death by incarceration to the many violent ways we loose our loved ones. Whether the police are killing them, incarcerating them, them killing themselves in the streets of this country, death is on the menu for so many of our babies. We are at war people! And I proudly take up this mantle that has been placed before me......on with the fight!"
Jesse Delgado, founder of Storyline Media LLC, collaborates with Jamilia Land, on a powerful documentary aimed at shedding light on Elijah’s felony murder conviction. Through this project, they seek to tell Elijah's story and raise awareness about the injustices surrounding his case.
Despite the heavy weight of 3 life sentences without the possibility of parole (LWOP), Elijah’s spirit remains unbroken. He has transformed his felony murder conviction into a symbol of resilience, becoming a voice for criminal justice reform.
The Fight for Justice Continues
Despite the lack of evidence and the questionable application of the felony murder rule, Elijah remains incarcerated. His case stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for criminal justice reform.
How can you help?
- Stay informed about Elijah's case and share his story.
- Support organizations dedicated to criminal justice reform.
- Contact your elected officials and demand change.
What changes are needed?
- Reform or abolish the felony murder rule.
- Address racial disparities in the justice system.
- Provide better legal representation for the accused.
Hope for the Future
Despite the hardships he's endured, Elijah remains hopeful. He has become a voice for the wrongfully convicted, inspiring others to fight for justice and systemic change.
Raising Awareness
Elijah's story is a powerful reminder of the flaws in the criminal justice system. By sharing his story, we can raise awareness about the urgent need for reform.
Supporting Reform Efforts
Many organizations are working tirelessly to reform the criminal justice system. By supporting these organizations, we can help create a more just and equitable system.
Advocating for Change
We can all play a role in advocating for change. By contacting our elected officials, we can demand reform and hold them accountable for creating a fair and just system.
