Layla D. Johnson

Layla D. Johnson was a 16-year-old Black teenager from Jacksonville, Florida. Born on April 3, 2007, her life was cut short on the morning of February 23, 2024, when she suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

The incident took place inside a home on West 2nd Street in the city’s New Town area. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office received a call and dispatched officers to the residence around 11:20 a.m. Upon arrival, they found Layla Johnson inside the house with several other people. Responders from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department were unable to save her and pronounced her dead at the scene.

Detectives began an immediate investigation, detaining four individuals at the home for interviews. Based on the evidence gathered and the statements provided, authorities quickly identified 27-year-old Damon Otto Wilson as the suspect. According to multiple law enforcement sources, the shooting was believed to have been accidental. Police arrested Wilson and charged him with manslaughter in connection with Layla’s death.

In March 2025, Damon Otto Wilson pleaded guilty to the charge of manslaughter. He was subsequently sentenced to five years of probation, bringing the legal case to a conclusion.