On a day that should have been filled with routine and the promise of returning home, Kenneth 'KJ' Johnson, a 30-year-old African American man, husband and father from St. Martinville, Louisiana, found his life tragically cut short. On the evening of November 22, 2023, in Lafayette, an argument escalated into fatal violence, and Johnson, a truck driver, was shot and killed. He had celebrated his 30th birthday just two months prior. The incident occurred shortly after 5:00 p.m.
near the Plantation Inn Motel on the Northeast Evangeline Thruway. After being shot, Johnson was transported by a private vehicle to a local hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. His sister later stated that he was unarmed and had been shot in the back.
The investigation into Johnson's death led to the indictment of Carrol Anthony Steno III of Carencro in January 2024 on a charge of second-degree murder. However, in a development that caused anguish and outrage for Johnson's family, the charge against Steno was later reduced to obstruction of justice. Steno pleaded guilty to the lesser charge. The reasons for the reduction of the charge by the Lafayette Parish District Attorney's Office have not been publicly disclosed. Johnson's sister expressed deep dissatisfaction with the outcome, feeling that justice had not been served for her brother's death.
A second individual, 42-year-old Lamont Marshal, was also arrested in connection with the events of that day. Marshal faced charges of armed robbery and attempted first-degree murder for his alleged actions against Steno. The investigation into the shooting of Kenneth KJ Johnson remains ongoing. Authorities have encouraged anyone with information to come forward and contact the Lafayette Police Department or Lafayette Crime Stoppers to assist in bringing clarity and resolution to a case that has left a family grieving and searching for answers.
