Guilty verdict in 2021 homicide of Cecil Richardson

November 16, 2023

Case #: 2021-008099

Shamar Dequez Johnson, 24, has been convicted in the September 11, 2021, homicide of Cecil V. Richardson, 26. Johnson shot and killed Richardson following an argument in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 4800 block of 51st St. W.

Shortly before noon on September 11, 2021, Bradenton Police officers responded to a report of a shooting in the apartment complex, locating Richardson with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by the first officers on the scene, Richardson died from his injuries. According to witnesses, a man and woman, later identified as Shamar Dequez Johnson and Chanelle Michelle Lawson, were seen leaving the area of the shooting. Lawson previously dated the victim and was dating Johnson at the time of the shooting.

Bradenton Police detectives arrested Lawson on a charge of accessory to murder on September 11. Johnson was arrested on October 22, 2021. At trial, Johnson argued that he shot Richardson in self-defense.

Johnson was found guilty by a jury. Judge Frederick Mercurio sentenced Johnson to 40 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

The Manatee County Homicide Investigation Unit assisted the Bradenton Police Department in this investigation. Assistant State Attorney Suzanne O’Donnell and Assistant State Attorney Scott Callin prosecuted the case.

Shamar Johnson (2021 booking photo)