Jimmy Edward Johnson, a 21-year-old male of unspecified ethnicity from Erie, Pennsylvania, tragically died on June 4, 2017. He was fatally shot at a large party in the woods off Teepleville Flats and Eddie’s Road around 2:45 AM. Johnson was taken to Meadville Medical Center by friends, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The Crawford County Coroner ruled his death a homicide, as he suffered two gunshot wounds—one to his upper right chest and another to his lower right abdomen.
Following the incident, two Meadville men, Stephen Lee Kozak, 26, and Branden Frantz, 19, were arrested and arraigned on multiple charges related to Johnson's death. Kozak was charged with one count of Criminal Homicide and is currently in Crawford County Prison without bond. Frantz faced several charges, including Criminal Conspiracy , Possession of a Firearm with Altered Manufacturer’s Number, and multiple drug-related charges. Frantz's bail was set at $500,000. State police believe that Kozak received a Highpoint 9mm pistol from Frantz at the party, and after the shooting, Frantz attempted to dispose of the weapon.
The investigation into Johnson's death is ongoing, and additional arrests are anticipated. The case has led to further police actions, including a raid on a suspected methamphetamine lab in downtown Meadville. Tyler J. Sterling-Ebert, 25, was arraigned on charges related to the meth lab.
The tragic death of Jimmy Edward Johnson has left a significant impact on his family, friends, and the community, who continue to seek justice and closure.
