Murder trial for area man is continued

Killing at Mr. C's

CHARLESTON -- The murder trial for Brandon C. Johnson has been delayed, probably until next year.

Johnson, 23, of Charleston, is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action for the shooting death of Jemorrio A. Betts on May 9, 2004, at Mr. C's Night Club near Morley.

A two-day jury trial was scheduled for Thursday and today at the Mississippi County Courthouse with Circuit Judge William Seay of the 42nd circuit court presiding on a change of venue and judge.

Seay granted a continuance Thursday, however, due to defense attorney Michael Lawrence's failure to appear.

The defense's motion to suppress is now scheduled for a hearing at 10 a.m. May 17. On that same date, a motion for contempt of court for defense counsel's failure to appear will also be taken up.

A tentative court date for the jury trial has been set for January 4-5.

On the night of the shooting at about 12:39 a.m., Betts entered Mr. C's Night Club and collapsed on the floor, according to police reports.

Following a preliminary investigation, Johnson was arrested within a couple of hours of the incident and a .22-caliber revolver believed to be the murder weapon was located about 300 feet south of the Mr. C's entrance.

Johnson remains in the Mississippi County Jail without bond.