A man and woman have been convicted for their roles in a shooting that occurred on July 3, 2024, on I-65.
Boone County jury found James O. Brown, 45, and Kendra Johnson-Brown, 45, guilty for their roles in a shooting. The verdict followed a three-day trial presided over by Boone County Circuit Judge Lori Schein.
Brown was convicted of Count I, Attempted Murder, a Level 1 felony, and Count II, Aggravated Battery, a Level 3 felony. Johnson-Brown was convicted of Count II, Aiding Aggravated Battery, a Level 3 felony. The Attempted Murder charge against Johnson-Brown (Count I) was dismissed by the Court after the presentation of evidence due to insufficient evidence in the record to support the allegation that she possessed the specific intent to commit murder.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Brown, a passenger in a vehicle driven by Johnson-Brown, fired a shot at a semi-truck while traveling northbound on I-65. Witness testimony revealed that Johnson-Brown was driving aggressively and pursued the semi-truck, operated by Nathan Justus.
Once alongside the truck, Brown extended his arm out the passenger window and fired a shot, striking Justus in the head. Justus sustained a severe traumatic brain injury that nearly claimed his life.
The investigation broke open when law enforcement obtained video footage from highway cameras, which helped identify the suspect vehicle. Over the following weeks, investigators executed more than 20 search warrants to gather evidence.
The prosecution team was led by Deputy Prosecutors Andrew Emhardt and TK Morris, along with Detective Dalton Tibbs of the Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department.
Following the verdict, Deputy Prosecutor Emhardt stated, “We are grateful to the jury for their service and thoughtful verdict. This case was never about an accident or self-defense—it was about a person who had a tantrum with a trigger, and the driver who helped him carry it out.”
Prosecutor Kent Eastwood added, “I am extremely proud of our trial team and the case they presented. I’m also deeply appreciative of the tireless efforts and outstanding investigation conducted by the Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department and its investigators. Today’s verdict is a testament to the unwavering commitment of WMPD and the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure justice for the victim, his family, and our community. This was truly a team effort, and we know our jobs are not over as we prepare for the sentencing hearing in September.”
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 11, at 8:30 a.m. in Boone County Circuit Court.