Opinion ID: 2823201
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Testimony of Floyd Johnson

Text: Floyd Johnson, who was present at the time of the attempted robbery, testified at trial for the prosecution. Mr. Johnson, who testified that he had been a friend of the decedent, Christopher Nelson, testified that on August 16, 2004, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Nelson, and two mutual friends, Courtenay Penn and Jerel James, were watching the Olympics on television and playing video games in Mr. Nelson’s second floor Knight Street apartment in Providence. Mr. Johnson testified that, after hearing a knock on the door, Mr. Nelson answered the door, but then appeared to be “trying to close the door” as he “struggle[d]” with someone. It was the testimony of Mr. Johnson that an intruder wearing a mask then stepped into the room, pointed a gun at Mr. Nelson, and repeatedly asked: “Where is the money?” Mr. Johnson stated that, after Mr. Nelson serve on the conspiracy to commit robbery count, to be served concurrently. Martin White’s plea and sentencing are discussed infra. 3 The defendant was also an alleged probation violator, pursuant to Rule 32(f) of the Superior Court Rules of Criminal Procedure. The alleged probation violation was heard at trial, in conjunction with the other criminal allegations, but the witnesses from the Department of Probation testified outside the presence of the jury. Although the trial justice ultimately determined that defendant was a probation violator, defendant did not appeal that finding of violation. -3- replied that he did not have any money, “the gun went off[.]” According to Mr. Johnson, the intruder was then “brandishing” the gun in the “general direction” of him, Mr. Penn, and Mr. James, again demanding to know where the money was. Mr. Johnson testified that, after he, Mr. Penn, and Mr. James stated that they did not have any money and did not live at the apartment, the intruder left. It was the testimony of Mr. Johnson that during the encounter he saw Mr. Nelson “leaning on the fridge” and “holding his chest.” He further stated that, after the intruder left, he, Mr. Penn, and Mr. James called for help and attempted to assist Mr. Nelson. It is undisputed that, although rescue services were called and arrived soon thereafter, Mr. Nelson was later pronounced dead.