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NEW ORLEANS, May 19, 2025 — On Friday, May 16, 2025, Judge Camille Buras sentenced Bokio Johnson to 30 years in prison following his June 2024 conviction for Manslaughter, Attempted Manslaughter, and Obstruction of Justice with a firearm enhancement. The prosecution, led by the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office Chief of Trials Constance Tullier, stemmed from the fatal shooting of Hollis Carter – an individual previously charged with the murders of Johnson’s son and stepdaughter.
At a press conference today, District Attorney Jason Williams addressed the sentencing, joined by Chief of Trials Tullier, First Assistant District Attorney Edward McGowan, Chief of Investigations Aaron Washington and Investigator Liz Garcia, all of whom were instrumental in bringing the complex case to resolution.
“This sentencing closes one of the most emotionally and legally complicated chapters our office has faced,” said DA Williams. “While we understand the pain and grief that led to these events, the rule of law cannot bend in the face of personal tragedy. When individuals take justice into their own hands, it undermines our system and fuels the very cycles of violence we are trying to break.”
The case highlighted two families torn apart by tragedy. Caleb Johnson and Breyiana Brown were killed in 2021. The man charged in their deaths, Hollis Carter, was later ambushed and killed by Bokio Johnson as he was being transported to court. Carter’s mother was also shot and seriously injured during the attack.
DA Williams emphasized the professionalism and compassion of his trial team, especially highlighting the work of Chief of Trials Constance Tullier and Victim Advocate Jasmine Hillyer.
“This office stood firm in its constitutional duties,” Williams said. “Chief Tullier and her co-counsel delivered justice in the courtroom, and Jasmine Hillyer remained a steady, compassionate presence for surviving victims throughout.”
Chief Tullier began her remarks by expressing gratitude to the families, witnesses and a non-exhaustive list of public safety partners whose efforts made this prosecution and significant sentence possible.
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