In the summer of 2015, a young man's life was tragically cut short on the streets of Baltimore. Michael Polston, an 18-year-old male, was killed on July 27, 2015. His death was the result of a violent altercation that escalated to a fatal outcome. The incident was later described by the State's Attorney as a cowardly act of street justice.
The Baltimore Police Department launched an investigation, gathering evidence and interviewing numerous individuals to piece together the events that
led to the tragedy. Their efforts led to the identification and arrest of a suspect. The investigation revealed that the shooting was an act of retaliation.
Rayshard Johnson was arrested for the murder of Michael Polston Jr. after a police chase in the area of the shooting on West North Avenue. Johnson later pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. During a recorded phone call, Johnson admitted that his plan was well-conceived but that the police were too quick in their response. He also stated that he had been unable to shoot the victim in the head because Polston had hidden behind a girl. For his role in the fatal shooting, Rayshard Johnson was sentenced to 45 years in prison.
