In the late hours of a March night in Benton Harbor, Michigan, a house party turned into a scene of violence that would claim the lives of two men. On March 25, 2018, 29-year-old Michael Cantrell Johnson was shot and killed in a double homicide. Johnson, a Black male, was a graduate of Benton Harbor High School and was known for his love of listening to music, roller skating, and working on cars and motorcycles. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family.
The tragic event unfolded at a residence on LaVette Street, where numerous people had gathered. For reasons that remain rooted in the events of that night, an argument escalated, leading to gunfire. Both Michael Johnson and another man, Cortez Miller, were fatally wounded. The brazen act of violence in front of several witnesses sent shockwaves through the community.
The investigation into the double murder quickly identified a suspect: Antwan 'Tank' Mims. Authorities launched a search for Mims, who fled the area and was eventually apprehended in Georgia after being placed on the FBI's Most Wanted list. Mims was extradited back to Michigan to face charges for the murders of Johnson and Miller.
In March 2019, Antwan Mims stood trial for the killings. Testimonies from witnesses who were present at the party, along with forensic evidence, painted a clear picture of the events that transpired. The jury found Mims guilty of two counts of first-degree murder. He was subsequently sentenced to two terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, ensuring that he would be held accountable for the lives he had taken. The conviction brought a sense of justice to the families of Michael Johnson and Cortez Miller, though the void left by their loss remains.
