Jonesboro, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – A West Memphis man arrested in connection with a Jonesboro shooting made his first court appearance Friday, where he was given a $2 million cash-only bond.
A judge found probable cause to charge 19-year-old Rodarious Turelle Johnson with two felonies: First-degree murder (Class Y) and possession of a firearm by certain persons (Class D).
The charges stem from an incident Wednesday night when Jonesboro police responded to a 911 call in the 4400 block of Southbrook Drive for a man who had been shot. The victim, later identified as 21-year-old Zadarius Merritt, was taken to St. Bernards, where he later died.
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During the investigation, it was learned that Johnson and a female suspect left the home right after the shooting. They were later found and taken into custody in another county.
According to the probable cause affidavit for Johnson, it was learned that there was a dispute inside the home at which time Johnson pulled a firearm and shot Merritt. It also noted that Johnson has a prior felony conviction that prohibits him from having a firearm.
While the female suspect was also arrested for the incident, public information specialist for the Jonesboro Police Department Sally Smith previously confirmed to JRN that no charges were filed against her.
In addition to the $2 million bond, Johnson was also ordered to wear a GPS ankle monitor upon release.
Johnson’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 26. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison and fines up to $10,000.
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