Man pleads not guilty to shooting death outside of Dave’s Hot Chicken

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -The man accused of shooting and killing another man outside Dave’s Hot Chicken off Victory Drive was back in court Monday.

Jakobie Johnson is accused of shooting and killing Najeh Williams in April. A detective testified Williams’ body had 50 gunshot wounds. Investigators found the gun Johnson used along with an additional 20 shell casings at the scene.

According to law enforcement testimony, surveillance video showed Johnson leaving the scene and throwing a gun under a nearby car. While in the police car, Johnson said he was there because he “shot that boy.”

Johnson pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial as the victim’s family listened from the courtroom.

Charges and plea offer

Johnson faces several charges, including malice murder, felony murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and aggravated assault.

Johnson was offered a plea by the prosecutor: life with the possibility of parole. Through his defense attorney, he still requested a jury trial. The defense attorney said he plans to file a bond reconsideration.

Judge Tammy Stokes asked, “How does he plead to the charges in the indictment?”

Defense attorney Ryan Scott Raines said, “Judge, he’s entering a plea of not guilty on the face of the indictment, and we request a jury trial at this time.”

Prosecutor Whitney Josephine-Grace O’Brien said, “Your honor, I have served Mr. Raines with initial discovery and a plea offer, which is life with a possibility of parole.”

Johnson is expected to return to court Dec. 11.