AKRON, Ohio — Jontay Johnson, the 19-year-old Akron teen accused of murdering a 26-year-old man earlier this year, will face at least 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to lesser charges last month.
Johnson pleaded guilty to three felonies in the death of Carlos Godineaux:
- Complicity to commit involuntary manslaughter
- Complicity to commit aggravated robbery
- Having weapons under disability
According to the Summit County Prosecutor's Office, Johnson was sentenced to a minimum prison term of 15 years by Summit County Common Pleas Judge Jennifer Towell on Monday.
“This was a senseless tragedy that led to the death of a young father of three,” said Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich in a statement. “My sympathy goes to the victim’s family, and I am thankful that those responsible for his death have been held accountable.”
CASE HISTORY
On Feb. 19, Akron police officers were called to a shooting in the 900 block of Bellevue Avenue just after 4 p.m. When police arrived, they found a 26-year-old man on the ground with apparent gunshot wounds. The victim, later identified as Godineaux, was taken to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center in critical condition, but was later pronounced dead.
"Investigators determined Godineaux went to the area to sell shoes to a person he met through Facebook Marketplace. Evidence and tips led police to Johnson and a 15-year-old juvenile," prosecutors noted.
Johnson was indicted on March 26 on charges of aggravated murder, murder, aggravated robbery, felonious assault and having weapons under while under disability. Six of the seven counts against Johnson contained three-year firearms specifications.
Prosecutors say the 15-year-old juvenile admitted to one count of murder in juvenile court and is currently committed to the Ohio Department of Youth Services until he is 21.
