John Wesley Johnson Jr., a 50-year-old African American male, passed away on November 12, 2017, in La Grange, North Carolina. John, affectionately known as "Jay," was born on August 11, 1967, in Washington, DC. He was a retired Master Sergeant from the United States Army, having served his country honorably for 25 years. John was visiting family in La Grange when the tragic incident occurred.
On the night of November 12, 2017, a botched robbery led to a shooting at 308 W. Queen St.
in La Grange. John Johnson Jr. was one of three people killed during the incident. The robbery took place in an outbuilding where a group had gathered to play cards. The suspects, including Jerrell Marquez Pridgen, attempted to rob the group at gunpoint. A struggle ensued, and shots were fired, resulting in the deaths of John Johnson Jr., Jerrell Marquez Pridgen, and Roderick Wayne Gillette.
The investigation into the incident revealed that Jerrell Marquez Pridgen was one of the masked robbers who entered the outbuilding with the intention of robbing the victims. Pridgen was armed and demanded money from the group. During the struggle, Pridgen was killed along with John Johnson Jr. and Roderick Wayne Gillette. A third man at the card game was wounded but survived.
As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities arrested several individuals in connection with the botched robbery and murders. Jaleik Pridgen and Brianna Wooten were charged with accessory after the fact to a homicide. They were accused of helping the murder suspects hide guns and assisting them in leaving town. Both were placed in the Lenoir County Jail under a $50,000 secured bond.
Additionally, Terrance Outlaw Jr., Shonquez Robinson, and Tiquon Brown were arrested and charged with various crimes related to the incident. Outlaw was charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery, while Robinson and Brown faced charges of two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of robbery with a dangerous weapon. The investigation is still ongoing, with authorities working to identify any other individuals involved in the robbery.
The tragic death of John Wesley Johnson Jr. has left a lasting impact on his family and the community. His service to his country and his love for his family and friends will be remembered by those who knew him.
