A judge has denied bond for Marcuss Ealy, 22, who is accused of robbing and fatally shooting 21-year-old Malcolm Avery Johnson Jr. in an execution-style murder captured on surveillance video in North Miami Beach.
The May 2023 footage shows two men approaching Johnson near NW 170th Street and NW 3rd Avenue, robbing him, and shooting him before fleeing. Ealy is alleged to have pulled the trigger, killing Johnson over a gold medallion.
Co-defendant Mario Fogler, who admitted to being the second man in the video, pleaded guilty in March to second-degree murder. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison and has agreed to testify against Ealy, stating that Ealy fired the fatal shot.
At Monday’s Arthur hearing, prosecutors presented further evidence, including a letter from Ealy’s brother admitting Ealy was the shooter, and photos found in a hidden folder on Ealy’s girlfriend’s phone showing Ealy posing with the stolen medallion just hours after the murder.
Despite Ealy’s request for house arrest, Judge Cristina Miranda rejected any form of release. She cited a hidden police surveillance camera outside Ealy’s home—installed due to suspected gang ties and past shootings—as evidence of the ongoing threat he may pose to the community.
“I can’t in any good conscience say it would be safe for the community,” Miranda said.
Ealy has denied all charges and awaits trial.
