In the early hours of a Sunday morning, on March 19, 2023, the life of 22-year-old Montrelle Dontae Johnson was tragically cut short in his hometown of Talladega, Alabama. Known affectionately as 'Pie' to his friends and family, Johnson was a beacon of light with an outgoing personality and a brilliant smile. A 2018 graduate of Lincoln High School, he had been an outstanding football player, a passion that earned him a college scholarship and saw him play as a running back and slotback for the
Union College Bulldogs in Kentucky. Back in Talladega, he was a devoted and doting father to his young son, an employee at Talladega College, and was pursuing his talent as a barber.
The night that ended his life began as a large gathering at the Talladega Downs Apartments, with between 50 and 100 people present. Around 3:00 a.m., the gathering turned deadly when gunfire erupted. In the chaos, at least 10 shots were fired, striking three people. Johnson and 23-year-old Djuante Nyjuwan Dickerson were both critically injured and rushed to Brookwood Citizens Baptist Medical Center, but neither survived their injuries. A third individual, a 23-year-old man, was also shot and hospitalized in critical condition.
Within 12 hours of the shooting, Talladega police had a suspect in custody. Dennis Swain, 23, was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the deaths of Johnson and Dickerson. Authorities indicated that all individuals involved were familiar with one another, though the exact nature of their relationship was not immediately disclosed. Swain was held in the Talladega County Jail on a $500,000 bond as the police investigation continued, with officials noting the possibility of further arrests. The community mourned the loss of two young men described as good people and talented athletes who did not cause trouble.
