McDonald’s Shooting: 16-Year-Old Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison

MILWAUKEE, Wi – Robert Johnson, a 16-year-old wearing a state-issued correctional uniform accompanied by chains on his wrists and ankles, was escorted out by police after his sentencing trial two Fridays ago. As he walked away, he turned, facing his family and friends, and broke down sobbing, his family crying out they loved him. Johnson will be 29 when he is again free.

Robert Johnson, aged 14 at the time of his crime, was convicted and sentenced for first-degree reckless homicide by the State of Wisconsin. The charge was modified as a party to a crime. He will receive 13 years incarcerated and 10 years on extended supervision.

Johnson was convicted because of an McDonald’s shooting that occurred May 7, 2022, at 49^th and Hampton. Two were killed, 16-year-old Javarius Fowler, and 15-year-old William Harrison, who died two days later in the hospital. According to court testimony, Johnson received multiple wounds as well but survived after nine surgeries and an 18-month recovery period.

Judge Jean Kies spoke to Johnson during the case and said, “I just don’t get it, I don’t know why you would come where everyone was eating their happy meals and do this.”

According to surveillance video of the incident, Fowler and friends had been in the restaurant for 10 minutes before Johnson, Harrison and two others entered. Johnson, Harrison, and Fowler all had handguns. Johnson circled the lobby area with his gun, where patrons moved to the bathroom or behind the counter of the restaurant. No audio was available to hear if Johnson said anything.

Johnson pointed his handgun at one of Fowler’s friends and Harrison pointed his handgun at Fowler. Fowler shoved the gun out of his face and pulled out his handgun, to which shots were exchanged between all three.

Prosecuting Attorney Paul Tiffin said, “I can’t tell who shot first, either Johnson or Harrison shot first, and Fowler then returned a shot.”

Johnson did not mention who shot first or his motive, and the court did not establish these during the trial.

Fowler’s family testified about Johnson via Zoom during the sentencing.

His father, Gerroll, said “He’s just reckless…I don’t feel like he has remorse for human life period.”

Fowler’s mother, Latoya Cross, called Johnson an “animal.”

In the almost two years since the incident, Johnson has spent most of the time out on bail, living with his father in Indianapolis. The defense and Judge Kies pointed out Johnson’s growth since the incident.

In these two years, Kies said he attended school, got good grades and took his ACTs. She even pointed out that he “ironically” worked part-time at a fast-food restaurant. The defense added he showed up to all court dates, cooperated with court officials, and took responsibility for his crimes.

Kies cited Johnson’s report cards and ACT scores and said, “You have the capabilities to achieve goals.” She encouraged him to pursue a welding trade he has been interested in.

After the almost two-year trial process, Johnson pleaded guilty to the charges on Jan. 29.

During his sentencing, Johnson said, “I didn’t know the implications of using a gun…every day since…I’ve thought about that incident and how it could have been prevented…I truly am sorry.”

Johnson remained calm and collected during his apology. The defense pointed out this was not the first time he had offered a sincere apology.

Defense Attorney Jeffrey Jensen said, “To punish Mr. Johnson as an adult is not fair…Mr. Johnson unequivocally understands the seriousness.”

The age of Johnson, 14 at the time, remained a point of tension during the case. One of the supporters at Johnson’s sentencing was kicked out of the courtroom because she was 16, the same age as Johnson.

Both the defense and Kies cited multiple times that the part of the brain that controls decision-making doesn’t fully mature until the age of 25.

Tiffin did not see this concern, citing state law when asked why 14-year-old Johnson was tried as an adult. Wisconsin Statute 938.183(1)(am) states that juveniles as young as 10 can be tried as an adult for first-degree homicides or second-degree intentional homicides.

Wisconsin’s bordering states have ordinances on punishing severe crimes by minors as well. In Minnesota, the age is 16, Michigan and Iowa are 14 and Illinois is 13.

“Part of his youth needs to grow up in prison,” Tiffin said during the trial.

The state recommended 13-15 years of incarceration and 10 years of extended supervision. The defense recommended seven years of incarceration and eight years of extended supervision.

After both the prosecution and defense spoke, Judge Kies spent almost 10 minutes speaking seemingly directly to Johnson. She highlighted his growth and spoke about his crime. After her speech, she sentenced him to two years under the maximum penalty. She said she needed to fashion his sentence to show the community needs to treat others with “decency and humanity.”

“I hope that someday you can grow up to be a good and decent man,” Kies said.

She added maintaining full-time employment and obtaining a High School Diploma or GED to the conditions of Johnson’s 10 years of extended supervision.

Johnson had 82 pre-trial days subtracted from his sentence and must pay $1,353.80 to Latoya Cross, Fowler’s mother.

Johnson will start his sentence at the Department of Correction’s Lincoln Hills School in Irma, WI.