Suspect caught in Bradenton apartment murder. He killed girlfriend’s ex, police say
The alleged gunman in a fatal shooting has been arrested more than a month after authorities issued a warrant for his arrest, police say.
The Bradenton Police Department announced Friday afternoon that Shamar Dequez Johnson, 22, has been arrested on a second-degree murder charge. Johnson was involved in the Sept. 11 fatal shooting of Cecil V. Richardson, according to a news release.
Richardson’s ex-girlfriend, 27-year-old Chanelle Michelle Lawson, became the first suspect arrested in the case last month. At the time, police also put out a warrant for Johnson, who they said was believed to be “armed and dangerous.”
According to court records, Richardson and Lawson, who share a child together, had an on-again, off-again relationship. Johnson, Lawson’s current boyfriend, fatally fired four rounds at Richardson after a brief argument in the parking lot of the Preserve on 51st Apartments in the 4800 block of 51st Street W., in Bradenton.
Investigators say Lawson and Johnson immediately fled the scene of the shooting. Lawson was taken to the hospital because one of the bullets struck her left index finger.
According to court documents, Lawson was charged with accessory after the fact due to her involvement in the shooting. She allegedly dropped Johnson off at an unknown location and refused to share that information with law enforcement.
Johnson was arrested Friday with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in the 4800 block of 51st Street W., which is the same apartment complex where the shooting occurred, police say. He is being held at the Manatee County Jail; his bond information was not immediately available.
This story was originally published October 22, 2021 at 5:46 PM.
