The family of 19-year-old Jonathan Isiah Johnson is demanding justice after he was fatally shot in Deerfield Beach on March 1. His accused killer, Kenneth Philpart, also 19, appeared in court Tuesday for an arraignment hearing, facing charges including third-degree murder and aggravated assault with a weapon.
“All I want is justice for my grandson,” said Carmen Belcaries, who spoke outside the courtroom. She and Johnson’s mother, Amintta Nixon, believe the shooting was premeditated.
“It was like a heartless murder,” Belcaries said, adding that it appeared to be a setup involving Johnson’s friends.
Home surveillance footage captured the sound of the fatal shot. When arrested, Philpart told authorities he acted in self-defense, but Johnson’s family disputes that claim.
“I want people to understand this was calculated,” Nixon said. “He stalked my son that night. It was not a mistake.”
Though prosecutors have not charged Philpart with planning the shooting, Johnson’s family insists the truth will come out in court. They plan to attend every hearing as the case progresses, with the next court date set for next month.
