Second defendant found guilty in 2023 Savannah homicide

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Chatham County jury found a second man guilty for his role in a 2023 Savannah homicide.

After 27 minutes of deliberation, 19-year-old Ashton Kohl Johnson was found guilty on all counts relating to the 2023 killing and robbing of Devin Smith.

On July 3rd, 2023, Smith was shot and killed during a robbery in broad daylight at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Duffy Lane.

Months later, two men were arrested: Johnson and 25-year-old Roberiquis Maxwell.

Court records in the cases have revealed gang connections to both defendants.

Maxwell’s gang affiliation with the Crips is documented in jail records. Court records reveal that a search of Johnson’s bedroom turned up a gang flag displaying the names of three divisions of the Crips gang, including “3x” — the same tattoo Maxwell reportedly has.

Maxwell pleaded guilty on Jan. 29 during his trial and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 15 years.

Law enforcment says it’s been years in the making, waiting for the Smith family to get justice.

A sentencing date for Johnson has not yet been scheduled.