Ikeem Johnson, a 35-year-old Black sanitation worker from Philadelphia, PA, was tragically shot and killed on November 18, 2022, while on the job in Northeast Philadelphia. Johnson was in the passenger seat of a trash truck when a man approached the vehicle and caused the driver to stop. The assailant then walked toward the passenger side of the truck and opened fire, shooting Johnson multiple times almost immediately after he got out of the truck.
Johnson died at the scene, and the truck driver was unharmed.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw stated that they did not believe the shooting was random and that the shooter appeared to know where Johnson would be at the time. Surveillance video released by the police showed the suspect wearing a black COVID-style mask, dark blue "Dickies-style" jacket over a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black "Jordan 11" sneakers with white soles. The suspect was also driving a dark 2015 to 2019 Subaru Outback with a roof rack, dark tinted windows, and an unknown Pennsylvania license plate.
On December 18, 2022, police identified two suspects in Johnson's murder: Nushar Scott, 39, and Rasheem aka "Rasheen" Trusty, 30. Scott was arrested on January 23, 2023, and charged with murder, conspiracy, possession of a firearm prohibited, firearms not to be carried without a license, carrying firearms in public in Philadelphia, and possession of an instrument of crime with intent. Trusty was arrested on August 8, 2023, along the 6900 block of Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia. Both suspects are considered armed and dangerous.
The investigation into Johnson's death continues, and a $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest. Johnson's co-worker, PJ McMaster, described him as a "good guy" and expressed shock and disbelief over the tragic incident. Mayor Jim Kenney and other city leaders also expressed sorrow over Johnson's death, calling it an unspeakable tragedy.
The case is now pending trial, and the outcome is yet to be determined. Johnson's story is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by essential workers and the impact of gun violence on communities.
