NJ man sentenced to life in prison for murder of 17-year-old victim

🔺 NJ killer gets life prison term

🔺 Victim was 17

🔺 Lengthy term based on criminal past

A 35-year-old Atlantic County man has been sentenced to life in prison for gunning down a 17-year-old victim nearly four years ago.

Following his trial in December, Lewis Johnson, of Pleasantville, was found guilty by a jury of murder and three weapons offenses — possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and certain person not to possess a weapon.

During his sentencing on Tuesday, the judge noted Johnson’s lengthy criminal history, including his several prior gun-related offenses.

If Johnson makes it to the age of 98, he could become eligible for parole, under terms of the sentence.

On June 8, 2020, Johnson drove to Atlantic City from Easton, Pennsylvania to help his then-girlfriend, Shaquana Lewis, confront the parents of her daughter’s boyfriend, after a physical fight between the kids the night before, according to prosecutors.

Johnson, who was armed with a handgun, then ran up the steps of the residence at Blaine Avenue to a second floor apartment’s porch, where the victim and his foster brother were hanging out.

Johnson pistol-whipped and ultimately shot the teen in the back and foot. The victim was pronounced dead that same day.

Johnson ran back down the steps, still shooting up at the boys, before driving off and back to the place he was staying in Easton, PA.

He was arrested the next day by members of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, who also found the handgun used in the killing under a bed.

As reported by Breaking AC, Shaquana Lewis was released to home detention in May 2023, as part of a deal for agreeing to testify against Johnson.

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