In the small town of Timmonsville, South Carolina, the life of 39-year-old Leon Johnson, a Black male, was cut short by gunfire on the night of May 10, 2019. The fatal encounter unfolded at the intersection of Orange and Main Streets, stemming from an altercation that had occurred earlier in the day. Johnson was pronounced dead on May 11, 2019. The community was left shaken by the violence that had erupted in their midst.
The Timmonsville Police Department, along with the Florence County
Sheriff's Office, launched an immediate investigation into the shooting. Their collaborative efforts quickly led to the identification of multiple suspects. Within a short period, three individuals were taken into custody in connection with Johnson's death. Among them was 17-year-old Johnny Dargan, who faced a murder charge. An unnamed juvenile and another individual, Jermaine McLeod, were also arrested. The swift action by law enforcement, which included the assistance of the U.S. Marshal's Office, brought a small measure of solace to a grieving community.
In the years that followed, the legal process continued to unfold. After spending 702 days in jail, Johnny Levette Dargan, Jr. was released on a $50,000 bond in April 2021. The Florence County Sheriff's Office continued to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation, diligently working to piece together the events that led to Leon Johnson's untimely death. The case serves as a somber reminder of the lasting impact of violence on families and small communities.
