Joliet Murder Trial Begins For Jasper Johnson

JOLIET, IL — After spending nearly four-and-a-half years inside the Will County Jail, Jasper Johnson is ready to stand trial at the Will County Courthouse in connection with the Joliet shooting death of his 30-year-old girlfriend Kia Johnson.

Kia Johnson was found face down on the floor of her Evergreen Terrace apartment unit in early June 2017. She died from her gunshot wound a few days later.

As for Jasper Johnson, the former Chicago man has remained in custody since Joliet police arrested him on the day of the shooting, June 5, 2017. He was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon. Several months later, he was indicted on one count of first-degree murder and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.

Back in 2010, Jasper Johnson was convicted in Cook County of aggravated driving under the influence, court records reflect.

Will County jury selection for Jasper Johnson's murder trial is set to begin Tuesday.

At the time of Johnson's arrest, Joliet Patch reported that Jasper Johnson and Kia Johnson lived together in the North Broadway Street public housing complex, and Jasper Johnson told the Joliet police officers, "I shot her accidentally, I shot her accidentally, I shot my girlfriend."

Jasper Johnson's bail has remained at $250,000, and he was unable to raise the necessary 10 percent to regain his freedom while awaiting his Will County jury trial.