Truman Pkwy. double murder trial begins with emotional testimony, crime scene photos

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Opening statements and witness testimonies were heard Wednesday in the murder trial of Derek Johnson, who is charged in the 2023 deaths of Shaliyah Collins and Phillip Mock along Truman Parkway.

Jury selection wrapped up Tuesday night around 8:30. The jury is made up of eight men, six women- meaning two are alternates.

Johnson faces two counts of felony murder, two counts of malice murder, two counts of aggravated assault, tampering with evidence and gun charges.

What prosecutors say happened

Prosecutors told jurors that on Oct. 26, 2023, Derek Johnson and his then-wife, Lakia Johnson, picked up Shaliyah Collins — his son’s girlfriend — from her job at a Walmart just after 11 p.m.

Surveillance cameras, prosecutors said, captured a man and woman picking her up in a car registered to Johnson.

Prosecutors said Johnson was driving north on Truman and speeding, and that his wife told police her husband was angry and in a bad mood. Collins, prosecutors said, was listening to gospel music through headphones in the backseat.

See previous coverage: www.wtoc.com/2026/03/11/jury-trial-postponed-man-accused-killing-sons-girlfriend-good-samaritan-truman-parkway-2023/

According to prosecutors, Johnson drove past the exit where Collins lived. About a half-mile from that exit, near Presidents Street, prosecutors allege Johnson pulled to the side of Truman Parkway and told both his wife and Collins to get out of the car.

His wife got out. Prosecutors said Collins did not hear him and remained in the vehicle, still with gospel music playing.

Prosecutors told jurors Johnson then pulled Collins from the car and shot at her six times, striking her three times. Collins attempted to flee. Prosecutors said five seconds later, Johnson placed the gun to the side of her head and fired.

Jurors were told they will see photos during the trial showing a burn mark left on Collins’ temple.

Prosecutors said Johnson then lifted Collins’ body by her belt and dragged her to the side of Truman Parkway, then forced his wife at gunpoint to help him throw Collins’ body off the side of the overpass into the marshy area below.

The second victim

Prosecutors said Phillip Mock, who was on his way to pick up his daughter after her shift at Leopold’s, pulled over after seeing the Johnsons’ car on the side of the road. Mock, who worked as a mechanic, stopped to offer help.

Prosecutors said Johnson’s wife, Lakia told police that Mock asked if they needed help and was then immediately shot twice. The bullets, prosecutors said, traveled downward through his body.

Johnson then drove away, leaving Mock on the side of Truman Parkway.

Mock’s wife and daughter went looking for him after he did not arrive to pick up his daughter. They found a police scene along Truman Parkway.

ShotSpotter recorded the gunshots at 11:20 p.m. Collins had been picked up from work at 11:08 p.m.

Law enforcement did not respond to the scene or learn of the crime until after midnight.

First responders initially believed Mock had been struck by a vehicle before signs indicated otherwise. Responders then found additional blood on the barrier along the parkway and located Collins’ body in the marsh below.

Evidence and arrest

Prosecutors said Collins’ Mastercard and ID were found in pieces behind the driver’s seat in Johnson’s car. A Walmart receipt showing a purchase of hydrogen peroxide was also recovered.

Lakia Johnson told police her husband was attempting to destroy evidence. The bottle was found near the bathtub, described as crumpled and squeezed.

Lakia Johnson told police her husband threatened her on the drive home, which she said is why she initially lied when officers first questioned her.

She later gave a full account to police. She told investigators Johnson said to her, “If you tell anyone this, you’ll be crying more than you can imagine.”

Johnson was arrested in the days following his wife’s full statement to police. He was found in St. Pete, Florida.

Defense and first day of testimony

The defense’s opening statement lasted less than two minutes. Defense counsel said repeatedly that “things are not as they appear.” and that “There is more to the story.”

The day’s testimony included the crime scene photographer, whose images prosecutors displayed for jurors — including graphic photos from the scene on Truman Parkway and below it, showing both victims, shell casings, blood at the scene, and Collins’ broken headphones.

Several family members in the courtroom were visibly emotional during the presentation of the photos.

Witnesses testify

Phillip Mock’s wife also took the stand Wednesday, referring to her late husband affectionately as “Tony.”

She testified that their 19-year-old daughter was getting off her shift at Leopold’s and that Mock never arrived to pick her up.

She said she got in the car with her son to find her husband and retrieve their daughter, and spotted her husband’s car along Truman Parkway with its flashers on and Mock lying in the roadway.

Jacob Hilderbrand, a task force officer with the FBI and former Savannah Police Department homicide detective, also testified. Hilderbrand testified about ShotSpotter alerts that were triggered at the time of both shootings.

Testimony is set to resume Thursday morning.