On January 11, 2023, 43-year-old Cory Johnson was found with multiple gunshot wounds in his apartment on Eagle Drive in Denton, Texas. Responding to a 911 call about possible gunfire around 10:30 p.m., Denton police officers discovered Johnson's apartment door slightly ajar and heard him calling for help. Despite being able to speak briefly with first responders, Johnson was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead later that night.
Johnson was a valued member of the University of North Texas (UNT) community, having worked in dining services for two years. His untimely death shocked colleagues and students alike, especially given the proximity of his residence to the UNT campus. In the immediate aftermath, witnesses reported seeing a man running through the apartment complex shortly after the shooting, but no immediate arrests were made.
The investigation gained momentum over the following months.
On April 24, 2023, Denton police arrested 31-year-old Darontay Dashield in connection with Johnson's murder. Detectives determined that Dashield knew Johnson and had previously stayed in his apartment. The arrest was made possible through witness interviews, physical evidence, and digital data linking Dashield to the crime. He was taken into custody without incident and charged with murder.
Johnson's family, particularly his sister, Tiphony Barton, had been vocal in seeking justice during the months when the case remained unsolved. Barton, a pastor at The Dwelling Place Transformation Center, renamed the church's food bank to "Cory's Food Foundation" in honor of her brother, reflecting his commitment to community service and his generous spirit.
As of the latest available information, Dashield remains in custody at the Denton County Jail, awaiting trial for the murder of Cory Johnson. The case underscores the impact of Johnson's loss on the UNT community and his family, who continue to mourn the death of a beloved brother and dedicated community member.
