In the winter of 2022, the life of 24-year-old Erik E. 'EJ' Girton, Jr. was cut short in a fatal shooting near Pleasure Ridge Park in Louisville, Kentucky. A male, Girton was found by police just before midnight on Thursday, January 6, at a residence in the 3200 block of Springfield Drive, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
The incident unfolded earlier that day when 20-year-old Rayshon Johnson arrived at the home to pick up a woman who was living there with Girton.
As the woman was placing her belongings into Johnson's vehicle, Girton approached the car and opened the door. It was at this moment that Johnson allegedly drew a handgun and fired at Girton several times.
Following the shooting, Johnson reportedly drove away with the woman still in his car. However, she exited the vehicle about a block away and ran back to Girton. A warrant was subsequently issued for Johnson's arrest, and he was taken into custody by Louisville Metro Police Department officers on Monday, January 31, 2022. He was charged with murder and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and was booked into Louisville Metro Corrections.
Known affectionately as 'EJ,' Girton was born on December 11, 1997, in Louisville. He was a former student at PRP High School where he had played football. At the time of his death, he was an employee at Taco Bell. Remembered as a great handyman who could repair computers and perform auto repairs, he was a fan of the U of L Cardinals and had a love for music.
