SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — It has been nearly three years since Darrian Johnson shot and killed Kaisean Tyler in a Sioux Falls apartment.
Monday, family and friends thought they would learn Johnson’s fate for the violent crime, but that didn’t happen.
In May, a judge convicted Darrian Johnson of first and second-degree murder. He shot and killed Tyler in a Sioux Falls neighborhood in September of 2022.
The prosecution did not mince words in court Monday, saying the community needs protection from Johnson.
Loved ones gave impact statements, with one describing Tyler as “funny, smart and a protective person.” She said she was trying to keep his memory alive by telling stories.
Another said the shooting has caused “pain and anguish for many people” and that it has left family and friends “horrifically traumatized.”
Then, Johnson’s attorney spoke. He said Johnson believes he was acting in self-defense and that Johnson feels he was not heard throughout the trial.
As she got ready to sentence Johnson, the judge asked if he had anything to say. He said he knows the family is hurting but did not apologize for the crime.
Johnson then asked the judge for a continuance, for what he claims were false charges and inaccurate statements made against him in court.
By law, the judge said she had to grant it, and the next hearing is tentatively set for September 4th.
Johnson is convicted of first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence with no possibility of parole.
