Not Guilty Verdict for Man Jailed for Murder Nearly 30 Years Ago

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man who pleaded guilty to murder almost 30 years ago, walked out of a Houston County Superior Courtroom a free man, Thursday.

After listening to facts and witness testimony a jury found Timothy Johnson not guilty.

Johnson was accused of killing Taressa Stanley during a convenience store armed robbery in 1984.

He initially pled guilty to the murder when he was arrested.

However, his attorney Stacey Flynn-Morris was able to prove to the jury, he waived his right to having an attorney unknowingly in 1984.

“I felt like justice had been served it was the right verdict given the evidence that the jury heard, and the jury had a tough job given the emotional nature of the case and they did the right thing,” said Flynn-Morris.

The defense attorney said she was very impressed with how intelligent and determined Johnson was about his case. In fact she worked “pro bono” on the murder trial, waiving her fee.

“Mr. Johnson wrote me a letter asking for just some help on motions, saying he was going to represent himself and that he needed some help with motions, and I came down and helped him,” said Flynn-Morris.

Johnson did not testify during the murder trial.

Houston County Superior Court Chief Judge George Nunn Jr., warned everyone in the courtroom about their conduct before he read the verdict.

However, emotions erupted in the courtroom when Judge Nunn read the not guilty verdict. One of Stanley’s daughters cried uncontrollably and Stanley’s husband had to be restrained and escorted out of the courtroom.

On the other side of the courtroom Johnson’s family sat quietly until each one was able to embrace him.

“I feel phenomenal right now,” said Johnson’s sister, Sharon Smith. “I cannot express how exciting and overwhelming, I am just to be able to move forward with life at this point.”

Flynn-Morris said Johnson was so excited about the not guilty verdict he was not bothered by walking in the rain from the courthouse to the Houston County Detention Center in preparation of being released from prison.